Eden Programme
Existing services for people who have contemplated or attempted suicide fail. We change this by providing an environment where individuals have the possibility to learn and develop their skills, allowing a person to be treated as an individual capable of becoming who they are meant to be.
About You
Section 1: About You
First Name
caroline
Last Name
mc guigan
Website URL
Country
Ireland
Section 2: About Your Organization
Organization Name
Suicide or Survive
Organization Website
Organization Phone
1890 577 577
Organization Address
The Willow Counselling & Training Centre, 2 Main Street, Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
Organization Country
Ireland
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Your idea
Name Your Project
Eden Programme
Country your work focuses on
Ireland
Describe Your Idea
Existing services for people who have contemplated or attempted suicide fail. We change this by providing an environment where individuals have the possibility to learn and develop their skills, allowing a person to be treated as an individual capable of becoming who they are meant to be.
Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
Person-centred Education in a Therapeutic Environment
Whilst agencies and individuals are currently working towards better collaboration in Ireland, the major issue for those at high risk (i.e. have attempted suicide or are depressed or are suicidal) is the lack of choice in relation to treatments. This emerged clearly during preparation of A Vision for Change, the report of the Government’s expert group on mental health policy:
“Chief among the concerns expressed during the consultation process was the perceived ‘over-reliance on medication’ in dealing with mental health problems. This was seen to be the case for not just secondary level mental health services but also for GP provided care.”
“The lack of emphasis on the psychological and social aspects of mental health treatment and care has arisen partially because of constraints within the service system, such as the lack of a multidisciplinary perspective, and lack of available psychosocial therapies.”
To move forward we need to focus on a person centred approach whereby the individual is the driver of their own recovery programme.
The EDEN programme embodies this approach, providing a dedicated therapeutic environment for those that are at very high risk, thereby broadening the range of treatment options available. SOS is uniquely positioned to deliver the programme because it is based on utilising the first-hand experiences of SOS staff (previous users of the service) to identify and address shortfalls in current treatment offerings.
Our aim is not to replace current treatments but to complement and broaden them to meet client needs.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
Testimonials from Eden Programme Participants
“As a participant of the Eden Programme I know now that to ask for help is not a sign that I am going back to the dark place all over again, I just need some support to help me stay safe while I cope and deal with my feelings and thoughts”.
“As a participant of the Eden Programme I have learned that while I have been here that there is more to me than an illness”.
“As a participant of the Eden Programme I have learned that if I do not take the support one day I will succeed in killing myself”
“The one thing the Eden Programme has given me that no other programme ever has is the strength to have a life, to be me, to be able to cope.
“This programme has given me my life back so that I can cope with life without trying to keep killing myself”.
“I have been through some dark places this past year but I have been given support to help me to fight for my life, my right to live”
“I now know that for me to have a life I need to open my mouth and to tell people what is wrong”
“I am learning to ask myself what is wrong with me and what supports do I need now”
“I experienced Hope for the future – there is one”
Problem
Funding – Becoming sustainable. Moving from a place of survival to a place where our plans for the future are being implemented.
Getting the Health Service on Board on all levels i.e. funding, referrals, working together
Lack of resources i.e. manpower
Actions
We have restructured our Board and are stronger from this exercise. We also have more specific skills and expertise on board.
We are creating a model that shows the advantages to all if we are part of treatment plans for clients. We are presently working on a presentation for GPs and Accident and Emergency Services and Universities.
We have recently brought on new manpower again that is more specific around skills and expertise
Results
The organization has become stronger and is action based. The skills on the Board are shining through to the work on the ground.
The model we are creating will be viewed by experts in the area of mental health to help us put together a strong presentation.
Our new team members are passionate and motivated Our organization is more transparent and professional.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
Overall our passion, vision, commitment, expertise and personal attributes.
Funding for 3 core Staff.- Year 1 This will give us the freedom to put into practice our ideas. If the staff are secure in their salaries it allows them to bring all their energies into the development of the organization and the delivery of the services.
Funding for 3 core Staff – Year 2. This will allow the development of the organization and the ability to bring our programme throughout Ireland.
Funding for 3 core Staff – Year 3 – Again the consistency of staff, the ability to develop and evaluate our services without the override fear being lack of funds.
What would prevent your project from being a success?
Funding. We are capable and have proven our ability to put in place strong foundations and structures. Our Achilles heel is when our energies have to go into finding funds for our salaries.
How many people will your project serve annually?
101‐1000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
$100 ‐ 1000
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
In what country?
Ireland
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
If yes, provide organization name.
How long has this organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government?
Yes
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
Our partnership with NGOs allows for sharing and learning. It also allows for network so that we are aware of other services that we can make our clients aware of.
Our partnership with the business world had kept our doors open. Thanks to donors in the corporate world we have been able to develop and move forward.
Our partnership with the government is essential so that people have a choice in their treatments. At present we are working on this partnership.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
The three most important actions at this present stage is team work, commitment and vision. Our team is strong and is continuing to grow. As a founder it is imperative I stand on the shoulders of giants. The teams commitment is what is making our work happen. They all do over and beyond what is asked of them. Their commitment to change is amazing. The vision is what will make it all happen and each and every one of us carry the vision very strongly.
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
I woke up in a hospital bed having been zapped back to life by the team. I looked awful, I felt awful and felt such a failure that I could not even kill myself properly.
I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and thought “who am I” and “why am I here”. In that moment I realized I had survived a suicide attempt for a reason – this was the start
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
I am 43 years old, married and have two great children.
I am a qualified therapist/tutor. My work involves one to one therapy and group work, all of which I truly love and would definitely believe I am very passionate about. The reason for this passion is my complete belief in what people are capable of, given the right supports/environment.
I have had and have a very full life and can honestly say when I die that I have lived. At times there has been way too much striving and not enough pleasure but I do work on a balance, as best as I can. I also have a zest for life. I believe this has come from my life experiences and from an attempted suicide at one stage in my life. Its like when you get past the shame and guilt of not only your life but your attempted suicide, it ignites this zest within you.
I have found it quite fascinating over the last number of years. It’s as if I am going back in doors that I went in as a patient initially. I am always amazed at what comes my way in life whether it be good or bad.
I have become a very spiritual person and this has been a wonderful experience and helps me to see the bigger picture particularly when I get stuck in “content” in life. I am very compassionate and real.
I absolutely love music and I love to dance.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Personal contact at Changemakers
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
 | 136 weeks agocaroline mc guigan updated this Competition Entry. |
| 136 weeks agocaroline mc guigan updated this Competition Entry. |
| 136 weeks agocaroline mc guigan submitted this idea. |
