Our approach to recovery is creative – we believe in treating the body, the mind, the spirit or soul all at the same time. In one week, participants can learn about psychology, study maths, make a ceramic sculpture, work on a short film, learn new computer skills, practise tribal drumming and learn something about themselves – not to mention they might be reducing their medication and attending counselling too!

We are flexible. Although the same rules apply to everyone, each person is treated as an individual, and we try to recognise their own unique strengths and difficulties. In some ways it’s not just one program, but a program for each person who comes here.

We’re a small organisation – that means we can be responsive to the changing needs of our participants and our target group. If our staff team decides to make a change in the program, we can start that change a week later. This means we can be proactive and anticipate problems before they arise – creating a fluid and dynamic service.

We listen. Every Monday we have a community meeting. The staff and participants get together and talk about any issues that come up or any ideas people might have. We also have a participant representative – like a class rep – who speaks on behalf of participants if they don’t want to voice criticisms or complaints themselves.

We have fun – or at least, we try! We regularly go on outings to local places of interest. In the past year we’ve visited the zoo, Kilmainham Gaol, Glasnevin Cemetery, the Cavan Centre, the cinema, Collins Barracks, the Botanic Gardens….we’re always trying to think of where to go next! Of course, enjoyable as these days are, we have another motive: people deserve to know and feel ownership of their home towns, and visiting the important places helps us to feel we belong.

Do you think Sankalpa is special? Let us know what you think we’re doing well – and if you have any suggestions for how we can improve! (suggestions for fun days out are also welcome!)