What We Do

What We Do at Canefields Clubhouse

Because Canefields Clubhouse provides focus on members’ needs, a wide range of activities are made available. For that reason we have included a ‘what we do’ summary of activities with links to the main articles.

Clubhouses offer people living with mental health issues, hope and opportunities to reach their full potential. They operate on proven Standards which have been developed by Clubhouse International over two decades and which are effective in over 320 Clubhouses worldwide. Also see: ‘Definition of Clubhouses and How They Function’.

The basic components of successful Clubhouses follow:

Work Ordered Day

The daily activity of a Clubhouse is organized around a structured system known as the work-ordered day. The work-ordered day is an eight-hour period, typically Monday through Friday, which parallels the typical business hours of the working community where the Clubhouse is located.

Members and staff work side by side, as colleagues to perform the work that is important to their community. All of the work in the Clubhouse is for the Clubhouse and not for any outside agency or business.

There are no clinical therapies or treatment-oriented programs in the Clubhouse. Members volunteer to participate as they feel ready and according to their individual interests.

Employment Programs

As a right of membership, Clubhouses provide members with opportunities to return to paid employment in integrated work settings through both Transitional Employment and Independent Employment programs.

Independent Employment (IE)

Independent Employment (IE) is another program of our Clubhouse. When  members are ready, they are helped by the Clubhouse to seek and obtain a job of their own. The Clubhouse then provides ongoing support for the members as long as they remain employed and ask for us to help out. There is no on-site support at the place of business for members in IE. All support takes place at the Clubhouse, or in the community.

Transitional Employment (TE)

Transitional Employment (TE) is a highly structured program for members returning to work in local business and industry. Placements using TE are at the employer’s place of business, are part-time (15-20 hours per week), and include a lot of on-the-job and off-site support from Clubhouse staff and other members. These placements generally last from six to nine months. Members can then try another placement or move on to independent employment.

Also Transitional Employment (TE) is designed as a method for members to gain or regain the skills and confidence necessary to have a job. While he or she is employed in a “real world” position, support continues to be available. The only need for the member to join into TE is a desire to work.

Social Recreation

In addition to work opportunities, our clubhouses provides evening, weekend, and holiday social activities.  Together, Members and staff organize social activities.

These activities are scheduled outside of the work-ordered day. Holidays are celebrated on the day on which they fall. Activities are scheduled both at the Clubhouse and in the community.

Community Support

People living with mental health issues often require a variety of social and medical services. Through the work-ordered day at the Clubhouse, members are given help in accessing the best quality services in their community.

Help is given to members in needing housing. Also psychiatric and general medical services, government disability benefits and any other needed services. Members and staff from the Clubhouse ensure all such support and assistance.

Reach-out

Part of the daily work of the Clubhouse involves keeping in contact with all active members. When a member does not attend the Clubhouse or is in the hospital a “reach-out” telephone call or visit is made.

Each member is reminded that he or she is missed, and welcome and needed at the Clubhouse. This process not only encourages members to participate, but it is also an early warning system for members who are experiencing difficulties and may need extra help.

Education

Many Clubhouse members have had to interrupt their educational plans because of their mental health issues. Some have not finished secondary school, while others had to curtail their university studies.

The Clubhouse offers education for members to complete or start certificate and degree programs at academic institutions and adult education providers. The Clubhouse also utilizes the talents and skills of members and staff to provide educational opportunities in the Clubhouse, particularly in areas related to literacy.

Housing

Safe, decent, dignified housing is a right of all members. Our Clubhouse helps members to access quality housing.

See Housing.

Decision-Making, Management

Decision-making and management are an important part of our Clubhouse work. Members and staff meet in open forums to discuss policy issues and future planning for our Clubhouse.

Our Clubhouse also has an independent board of directors or advisory board that is charged with oversight management, fundraising, public relations and helping to develop employment opportunities for members.

Need more Information?

You are welcome to visit:

Canefields Clubhouse
2/13 Logandowns Drive Meadowbrook, QLD 4131

Phone: (07) 3807 0951

Or use General Enquiry Form below.