The Cathja Project
Woodworking on a 38 Metre Barge
Formed in 1995, The Cathja Project is a day provision for people recovering from severe and enduring mental health problem, situated on a 38 metre barge moored on the river Thames. The cargo hold of the barge has been fitted out as a wood workshop, providing a relaxed, creative atmosphere where staff, volunteers and service users work together making furniture and art.
The project is set up to enable people who, typically, have just been discharged from psychiatric wards to regain control of their lives. Cathja achieves this goal by providing an opportunity to be creative in a safe non-judgmental environment, increasing self esteem and confidence. Clients are able to make as many decisions for themselves as possible, including the frequency and duration of their attendance.
A sense of ownership of the project is fostered which enhances the therapeutic value to the members. Workshop users are involved in the continuing development of the project such as the addition of an artistic dimension to the project by creating public works of art and the demonstration of the 'Cathja Process' to other mental health agencies.
OFV grants awarded by Attend have supported Friends in meeting artist's fees, purchasing wood carving tools, materials and the cost of administration. The grants have also enabled them to increase volunteering from their community and help support new activities formed around their new barge 'The Lighter'.
Grants awarded by the NAHCF have helped the group in meeting artist's fees, purchasing wood carving tools, materials and the cost of administration. The grants have also enabled them to increase volunteering from the community and help support new targets formed around their new barge "The Lighter." Funding has resourced a new role of Project Co-coordinator, who will help manage the volunteer managers that have arisen from the service users.
In 2001, a FitC grant of £5,000 supported Cathja with:
- £3,000 artist's fees
- £1,000 wood carving tools
- £750 materials
- £250 administration costs
Funding has also allowed a new role of Project Co-ordinator to be created. They will help manage the volunteer managers that have arisen form the service users. Attend also helped Cathja become the role model and mentor for another Attend member group called Moor Arts. In 2001, the Cathja Project prepared statistics regarding service user hospital admissions - they were able to demonstrate an 84% reduction in hospital admissions from those attended the Cathja Project.
The group is currently working on developing the artistic dimension of Cathja. They are working with a specialist community artist to expand their projects beyond woodworking.
Quotes
“I suffer from schizophrenia and started attending the workshops two or three days a week about a year and a half ago. During that time my confidence and self-esteem have grown considerably, thanks to the unique supportive atmosphere on board Cathja and the charity's self-empowering ethos. — Mr. R, member
“Sometimes when I am low, I am less motivated. But problems are discussed and you feel you are respected and not being treated as a ‘label’. — Elizabeth, member
“I lost my job in 1996 and wasn't able to find any work for nearly three years. I got so depressed about it all that I felt I couldn't cope and ended up trying to end it all. If I hadn't found Cathja, I really believe I would have gone under again and becoming a volunteer really helped me re-build my confidence. I'm not completely over my depression but I am much better and I'm glad that I can give something back. — Mr. C, volunteer
“The barge is a wonderful place, where people can recover from mental health problems. Here they can create things of a practical nature or something artistic, building confidence in themselves and others in a friendly and supportive environment. — Irene Buchan, Community Mental Health Nurse, West London Mental Health Trust
Contact details
Carl Kirby-Turner
Cathja99@hotmail.com
020 8560 8360
Location: London
Sector: Mental Health