Clubhouse International

Clubhouse International, formerly known as The International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD), is a global nonprofit working to end social and economic isolation for people with mental illness. Clubhouse International helps start and grow Clubhouses, local community centers that provide members with opportunities to build long-term relationships that, in turn, support them in obtaining employment, education and housing. There are currently over 300 Clubhouses in more than 30 countries on six continents, serving about 100,000 people a year. 

Clubhouse International was formally created in 1994 as the International Center for Clubhouse Development. Its motto is Creating Community: Changing the World of Mental Health.

What is a clubhouse?

A Clubhouse is a place that provides community for people with mental illness. It is a membership organization; no one is a patient or client, they are members, and with membership comes ownership and responsibility. Members operate their Clubhouse together with a small staff, through a concept called the work-ordered day. It’s based on meaningful relationships and the idea that work promotes recovery by helping end isolation and build self-esteem: there is dignity and purpose in work. Every Clubhouse offers programs like supported employment and assistance with education. It’s a very successful rehabilitation model with the goal of helping members reintegrate into society through education and employment.

The work of Clubhouse International falls into six categories: expansion of clubhouses worldwide, clubhouse accreditation, training, public awareness, advocacy, and research.

Clubhouse expansion

Clubhouse International works directly with start-up groups around the world to start sustainable new Clubhouses. The process includes formal training as well as ongoing assistance and mentoring to help local groups establish boards and raise the funding needed – a process that can sometimes take years – and a great deal of staff time and effort.

Clubhouse accreditation

All Clubhouses adopt the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™. These are 37 Standards that have been developed over time, and known through annual Clubhouse research to produce the best outcomes for members

Accreditation to the 37 standards is an essential role to this NGO governing body. Clubhouses follow the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Its mission strives to end social and economic isolation for people with mental illness. The 37 International Standards for Clubhouse Programs (ISCP) are the ‘Best Practices” of the Clubhouse model used for encouraging, supporting and assisting people living with mental illness as they pursue recovery and a personally meaningful and satisfying life. The Clubhouse model is included in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs

Training

Clubhouse International ensures new and mature Clubhouse sustainability through ongoing training, mentoring and seminar programs. There are currently twelve Clubhouse International Training Bases worldwide, providing a range of training for existing Clubhouses and for members of communities seeking to start new Clubhouses.

Public awareness

Clubhouse International strives to educate the public and the media to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote awareness of how Clubhouses save lives and livelihoods.

Advocacy

Clubhouse International’s leadership, member Clubhouses and Coalitions are active in social, government and mental health advocacy efforts around the world. As part of these efforts, the organization participates in and presents the Clubhouse model at meetings, mental health forums and events, and engage in partnerships to extend the Clubhouse model around the world. These efforts help expand funding and services for people with mental illness by raising awareness of the scope of mental illness and educating constituents worldwide on how Clubhouses are a critical part of the solution.

External links

Official website

References

This article "Clubhouse International" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Clubhouse International. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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