CAMUS
NTDI – DUBLIN (Ireland) – http//:www.rehab.ie
Key Words: mental disability, early intervention, community based training,
independent living
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT
CONTEXT, POPULATION AND NEEDS
During the late 1990’s NTDI conducted extensive research in to the rehabilitative and
vocational training needs of people with mental health difficulties. What became
obvious as a result of this research was that although there was rehabilitation
programmes available there were none that were meeting the needs of people who
were having their first experience of or contact with psychiatric services. The
research showed that people who had experienced difficulties for the first time faced
not only the difficulty itself but also a loss of self-confidence, social isolation and an
inability to resume former educational or occupational activities.
Further research showed that this group were also very anxious about their future and
what options might be open to them as a result of what had happened. As a result of
all of this people often overestimated or underestimated demands that faced them at
this time and therefore ran a greater risk of failure and self demoralisation, which
ultimately often resulted in re-hospitalisation. The ‘Revolving Door’ Syndrome was
therefore a very real challenge that faced service providers in the area of mental
health.
The CAMUS programme is an early intervention programme for people with mental
health difficulties. It acts as a bridging programme, where participants can make a
transition from hospital or day centre to further opportunities. The target group are:
_People who have had their first contact with psychiatric services within the last three
years prior to applying to the programme
_Interested in participating in various modules of the programmes
_Committed to attending the programme on a regular basis
_Able to travel independently to and from the training unit
_Free from any on going substance abuse disorders
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the CAMUS programme are to:
_Assist people in accessing work/training/education through exploring their
options, making appropriate career choices and developing long and short term
goals
_Enable participants to maximise their independence through a programme of
education in life management skills including the areas of accommodation, social
networks, leisure and the practicalities of independent living.
METHODOLOGIES
The four month programme consisted of the following programme
content:Therapeutic Health Education –:A range of guest speakers consisting mainly
of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists are invited in each week to give
talks on a broad range of topics related to mental health
Personal Development : Self Awareness, Communication Skills, Goal Setting,
Assertiveness and Time Management
Stress Management : Stress log, Breathing, Visualisation, Relaxing Techniques,
Coping Skills
Life Management:Diet/Nutrition, Budgeting, First Aid, Benefits, and Social Welfare
Creative Workshop :Art, Drama, Creative Writing
Vocational Exploration
I.T Skills
Leisure Activities
An important factor in making the CAMUS programme work is the approach or
manner in which it is delivered. It is very important from the onset that the
programme’s philosophy and ethos of respect and empowerment are communicated to
the participants. The relationship between health and autonomy is emphasised along
with the participants expertise of his/her mental health difficulties, which is greatly
enhanced by the lay out of the programme with its wide range of modules and
activities.
The location of the programme is another vital aspect of the programme. At present,
CAMUS is located in a quiet residential/commercial area just outside a main street in
the inner city. The building has no visible links to medical services. Only the
nameplate CAMUS helps to identify it. The premises blends in with the business and
activities co-located on the street.
This helps to reduce stigma and allows participants to feel part of a live community,
rather than a centre or an organisation. The building is used only for the programme
so the participants can have a real sense of ownership around the programme, but also
the building it is based in.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND SUCCESSFUL CRITERIA
In the eyes of the programme funders (i.e.) the local area health board, the objectives
for the programme were to be measured against pre-set targets of:
1. 50% placement to either further training, education, employment
2. A reduction in the re-admittance rate to hospital or to day centres.
Prior to Camus commencing 50% of people who have had one episode of mental
difficulties required re-admission to hospital. The figure increases to 95% for people
who have been admitted twice.
EVALUATION
There is always a need to be aware of and reflect on what possible developments
might be needed for a programme like CAMUS. At present this is done after each
group finishes the four-month programme.
Interviews are conducted with group members by CAMUS staff in conjunction with a
psychologist. Each group’s comments or opinion on the programme are very much
heard and taken on board.
CAMUS, as an NTDI service/programme is also evaluation bi-annually by the
regional programme development team as part of NTDI continuous improvement
procedures.
So far the programme (2000 – 2002) has been effective with:
 70% of programme participants (49 in total) progressing to either further
training, education, or employment
 10% of programme participants were re-admitted to hospital
TIMETABLES
Each CAMUS programme last four months. From the period of 200 to 2002 four
programmes have been run with a total number of forty-nine participants completing
the programme.
There are periods between each programme where recruitment and follow up takes
place.
STAFF AND OTHER RESOURCES
Two full-time facilitators are employed by the programme
Sessional instructors are used to deliver the Creative Skills, Leisure and I.T
portions of the course
A rehabilitation Psychologist is also available on a monthly basis as a support
to staff and group members
The CAMUS premises is a two story commercial property made up of two
classrooms and one office
Guest speakers are also used during the Therapeutic Education portion of the
course
FINANCIAL/POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES
Funding comes from the Northern Area Health Board, which administrators the
Rehabilitation Training budget for Inner City and North Dublin. Funding comes by
means of a flat fee per course participant. At present it is €12,800 per participant.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Each group consist of 12 participants
CONTACT PERSON
Catherine Clements
CAMUS
50 Pleasant Street,
Dublin 2.
Rep. Of Ireland
Telephone:
00 353 1 476 0145
Fax:
00 353 1 4760145
INNOVATIVE SERVICES OF THE PROJECT
GENERAL STRATEGY/NEW TARGET GROUP
What makes the programme so innovative is the ‘early intervention’ feature.
Research has identified the critical role early intervention has in reducing chronicity
among people with mental health difficulties. The CAMUS programme is the only
programme of it’s kind in Ireland where early users of psychiatric services are
identified as a distinct group.
AFTER PLACEMENT SERVICES
The programme is very successful with staff, participants, families and referral agents
noting change and progress in participants. When participants leave CAMUS the
staff continue to keep in touch with each person for twelve months. Past participants
have said this has proved most valuable to them progressing after CAMUS. This is
done by phoning, writing or setting up appointments with the participant after they
have left 4, 8 and 12 months. The reason for this is so the person does not have a
sense of being ‘cut off’ after CAMUS ends but in some way can have a gradual move
away from CAMUS. It also enables the staff to continue to offer support to the
person in whatever area they may be involved in.