Self-help EX-IN

Aims of the practice and description of participants -	Approximately 30 Gdynia inhabitants, aged between 18-65 and suffering from mental illnesses, crisis and unemployment. They are getting to know people who are unknown to each other. -	Learn how to transform its own experiences into a useful too for supporting other patients. Their skills are certified by an International Ex-In (i.e., experienced involvement) certificate.

Resources, Materials needed -	A comfortable and peaceful place. -	ITC facilities such as computers and an access to Facebook/social media. -	Flip charts.

Duration 12 months course.

Step-by-step - what has to be done? The course is based on a formal approach which gathers activities: -	Individual talks. -	Preparation and presentation of a story based on their own illness/recovery path. -	Training. -	Support groups. -	Counselling sessions. -	Lectures. -	Role play. -	Group discussions. -	Artwork and art therapy.

In addition to the main course, further activities are proposed: -	Use of a digital method during the project by chatting on a Facebook group in order to help integration of participant in to the group, keep them close and exchange information/thoughts. -	Watching movie. -	Multimedia presentations. -	Use of computers.

Learning Outcomes - which skills are addressed/required? -	Recovery assistant skills. -	Attendance and activeness. -	Team working, decision making process, critical thinking and communication skills. -	Public speaking, self-confidence and self-regulation of emotions. -	Governance and administration skills. -	Ability to present a work in front of a group and evaluate others. -	Overcoming barriers to the use of ITC and increasing it.

Those skills are used in the number of initiatives taking place after the course was ended: -	Anti-stigmatisation lectures among students, families and professionals. -	Workshops dedicated to social workers on the subject of mental health.. -	Informational-consulting point wich is an individual support twice a month with cooperation and professionals. -	Pomeranian Forum of Self-hep for people suffering from mental illnesses. -	Creative circles of support which are workshops consisting of the elements of selfhelp group support and art therapy.

How do you check the outcomes are reached? -	The majority of participants obtained the certificate and can be hired after that. -	Changing view of their own illness to see it as a resource rather than a burden. -	High level of activeness.