Ballymena House Activity Centre (November 2003)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Rauti Blackman, Erica Lee and Patrice Marra (Tutors: Betty Blake and Mark Kingston)
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to undertake an information gathering process to support Ballymena House in the establishment of an activity/rehabilitation centre.
Three enrolled nurses completing the Bachelor of Nursing degree at Waikato Institute of Technology worked in partnership with Ballymena House staff to fulfill the requirements of this project.
A vision held by management and staff was to establish an activity center for Ballymena House residents in a recently purchased property in Putaruru called Rimu House.
A focus group discussion was held to hear the views of residents living at Ballymena House as well as a review of literature related to psychiatric rehabilitation. The development of ‘activity center’ models and an interview with an agency who run an activity center for people suffering from a psychiatric illnesses completed the information gathering process.
Project recommendations include: that a collaborative approach between staff and residents is utilised throughout the planning and implementation stages, that a vibrant therapeutic environment is created and further, that staff explore implementing structured activities at Ballymena House to support residents rehabilitation and skill development prior to Rimu House being set up.
A full copy of the report is available from:
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