View report page

The P.R.A. Day Centre at Mitchley Road has had another successful year providing relief from
isolation for selected patients and also a climate conducive to rehabilitation. During the year
there were 49 referrals from Haringey and 11 from Enfield. As in the past, the cost has been shared
between the User Authorities on a per capita basis.
14 patients moved on to full time employment during the year, one moved out of the area, and one
moved on to a sheltered employment scheme; some returned to work direct from the Day Centre and
some went via the Industrial Education Unit — an extension of the Day Centre. Bearing in mind
the chronicity of the illness of most of the patients, this was no mean achievement.
The importance of the Centre and the need that it fills is evidenced by the excellent attendance
record, even in the most inclement weather.
The Work
Whilst the work is the basis for group interaction, it is not the main purpose of the Centre. The
objective is to enable patients in a group situation to interact constructively with each other,
thereby regaining self¬confidence to participate effectively in normal society. The availability
of appropriate work is governed by the amount of space available. However, in spite of these
difficulties, the situation is improving since the appointment of a Supervisor who has introduced
toy design and manufacture. The developing relationships with local industrialists have enabled
two sheltered employment schemes to provide short periods of employment in real factory conditions,
as preparation for full time employment in industry. This particular scheme is being carefully
watched by many interested bodies.
The Future
Day Centres are a means by which chronic patients can be helped towards greater self-expression
and are a preparation for more realistic work situations. From experience, it is dear that a large
number of participants will be unable to return to full time employment, without the availability of
additional rehabilitative situations or protective environments such as sheltered workshops. In
this connection, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is experimenting with thermoplastic
welding equipment, and will shortly be venturing into the plastics industry through their Industrial
Education Unit.
Selection for attendance at the P.R.A. Centres has been largely at the discretion of the Mental
Health Section, Psychiatrists at CI ay bury Hospital, and at the North Middlesex Hospital.
Community Housing Association
The Group Home in Tottenham completed its first year very successfully. Here again, dose links
with Clay bury Hospital and with the Mental Welfare Department have been of vital importance to
the scheme. The G.P. who looks after the residents has also been invaluable. The four original
residents are still living there, and have been joined by two more. This highly successful project
is proving to be an effective way of providing residential care with rehabilitative value at an
economic cost.
The Evening Centre
Situated at the Lutheran Church Hall, Antill Road, this centre reinforces the will of the ex-patient
intent on re-integration into society, and stimulates constructive self-assertion.
Annual Holiday
The P.R.A. booked a hotel at CIacton-on-Sea enabling eight Haringey patients to enjoy a holiday at
the seaside. This included a range of additional activities and outings, and was largely paid for
by the patients themselves - partly subsidised by the Mayor's Fund and P.R.A. projects.
There is much that can be done, and will be done, as financial resources become available."
98