The Basin Club

By Kate Morgan on Thursday, September 7th, 2017 in News.

Written by Malachi McCoy, Coordinator

 

Following our move to Belvedere Court in January 2017 the Basin Club, Shine’s Dublin-based resource centre, continues to support the active membership of men and women in recovery from mental ill-health.  The varied and flexible member-led service offers inclusion in our community where individual mental health issues are listened to with a supportive and friendly approach.

Members of the club and visitors are greeted upon arrival to the centre by a member who covers the reception area, supported by Lou, one of our Development Workers assigned to the role of reception and administration.  Experience is also gained by members who choose to share the responsibilities of ensuring that the administration duties are maintained in a timely and up-to-date fashion.

A variety of courses run throughout the week with strong encouragement given to members who accept the challenge by volunteering to facilitate their chosen fields of expertise.  These scheduled programmes include members’ favourites such as Art, French, Crocheting, Relaxation, Irish and Information Technology skills.  Added to this are two daily group meetings facilitated by members, where those present avail of the opportunity to speak at ease and gain information about the club and wider community events.

Our facilitator-members have completed a group facilitation course through the club with Meitheal – a community organisation which works to create radical change, equality and justice.  The Basin Club members benefit from these sharpened skills by attending Sunday opening; where two members have recently ensured that the centre reopened its doors from 12-4pm every second Sunday.  Our Support Worker Niamh works with members in safeguarding that housekeeping duties and daily and weekly shopping chores are completed; strengthening the life-skills of members who regain confidence supporting their recovery.  Information on internal and external services is provided by Rachael in her role as Development Worker in a sensitive and confidential manner; and who ensures that members maintain our notice boards with current, inclusive and up-to-date information.

Attention to services within the wider community is emphasised and strongly encouraged to those in a position who may wish to consider developing new directions.  Some of our members have successfully lead the way in teaming up with and co-tutoring with Malachi in a Community College. Many of our members have availed of courses and been awarded certificates from various places which include Dublin City University.

Jon, our new Development Worker, has strengthened recovery-based work and joined with members and staff on a recent social outing of a Dublin Bay cruise with lunch, thanks to funding through the National Lottery.  Members of our HSE funded rehabilitation and training guidance service can formally avail of key-working with a member of staff by creating a personal plan which supports their aims and goals in achieving chosen outcomes.

Peer-support is a crucial element of the Basin Club. Our mental health recovery service is regularly reviewed at our members’ forum which, pivotally, is chaired by our members.