"Gyllenkroken" - an all-activities
house
Schizofreniförbundet wishes to see more
meaningful occupations for mentally impaired people. IFS in Gothenburg
is be found at Gyllenkroken, which is an old beautiful ancient house
and also a house for various activities. A person with schizophrenia
can stay at Gyllenkroken for a shorter period, or half a year or
more if she is homeless. This institute is completely independent
of the medical health system, which is appreciated by many clients.
- Many people who visit Gyllenkroken have
taken a part in our work here and have then broken their passivity.
This has given them a new self-confidence. It is important to see
the human being behind the symptoms and to make an individual utilize
all her resources, says Birgitta Funkquist.
 Many
exciting projects are going on at Gyllenkroken. Picture, sound and
communication are the topics in one of them, which aims at making
people learn how to use computers in daily life and in creative
activities, for instance in the music room. In another proposed
project, Gyllenkroken’s members are supposed to assist under
supervision, and help with parts of the artistic ornamentation of
a planned psychiatric clinic at Östra sjukhuset in Gothenburg.
A group from this hospital has visited Gyllenkroken and asked for
their opinion, which was much appreciated. Small departments, a
lot of air and light, and no narrow corridors were some of the wishes.
A theatre project has also been carried out
in collaboration with Teater UNO – a Swedish theatre group
- and mentally impaired individuals, who worked for a long time
with writing the texts. The performance, which was entitled Röster
(Voices), had sold out shows for a long period in Gothenburg. In
the fall of 2002, it will be broadcast on Swedish radio.
Language courses, cultural evenings, excursions
and cultivation of flowers, fruits and vegetables are other examples
of activities at Gyllenkroken.
- Activity houses do not however suit everybody.
Of course those who manage to come here get on fairly well. The
problem is all the mentally ill who are isolated in their homes
and would need help activating themselves, says Birgitta Funkquist.
IFS in Gothenburg arranges study circles
with for example education for relatives, and relatives are supported
by individual talks. IFS also organizes talk groups where for instance
only siblings or only parents of mentally ill can meet. The association
informs about laws and rights too. And at Gyllenkroken in Gothenburg,
a project called Gyllingen has been started to support children
and teenagers with psychologically ill parents.
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