Supervisor:
Martin Brandsdal
There are many patients that fall in between two chairs in Norways current treatment system. To find better solutions, we have to look abroad to get new insights on how other countries are closing the gap. That was what Norwegian psychologist Arnhild Lauveng did, exposing potential in bringing education into the equation. By learning from her, from Denmark and from the Oslo pilot project ”Dagfolkehøyskolen” I pose a suggestion for an alternative tomorrow for mental health care.
The aim of the project is to create an environment that supports the individual on their way back to everyday life. It does so by posing a transforming project on the historical site of Etterstadgata 4 and 6, bringing the buildings back together and back to life. The target group is patients with serious, complex and long-term mental difficulties that has previously been through traditional therapy treatment through District Psychiatric Centers (DPS). Research suggests that this group is particularly vulnerable to setbacks once treatment is finished - and the way back to society can be both tough and lonely. Research has shown that even though the treatment often works well while ongoing, it is challenging to return to daily life after a long time of being admitted or in therapy. Loneliness, lack of support and poor quality of life will again have negative effects on the mental health of the person it concerns.
Specialized day schools can provide a safe and inclusive space - in background, diagnosis and age - where former patients can continue their journey, as students, in a place where there is room to grow, build friendships and find hope for the future. The program suggested in this project tries to tackle this by showing an example of how a spezialized day school can take shape as part of the treatment system. The aim of the project is to create an environment that supports the individual on their way back to everyday life.
An alternative tomorrow.
Contact
Karen Stormoen Mykland / karen.stormoen.mykland@gmail.com