- The EOLAS programme is run over 8 weeks
- Each session is of 90 minutes duration and allows time for discussion and questions
- Different topics are covered each week with guest speakers for a number of sessions
- Each programme is delivered by two co-facilitators one of whom is a person with self-experience and the other is a clinician
- You will be provided with a manual containing a summary of all information that is discussed during the session
Week 1
Introduction to EOLAS
The aim of this module is to explain about the purpose, content and style of the EOLAS programme.
Activities Include:
- Introductions
- Overview of the EOLAS programme
- Agreement on how the group will work together
- Agreement on how the group will work with a guest speaker
- A discussion on Who’s who in Mental Health Services
- Group discussions and activities
- Recap and introduction to module 2
Week 2
How a diagnosis is made
The aim of this module is to introduce and clarify the diagnostic process to participants and to support participants in developing a broader understanding of the clinical terms associated with making a diagnosis. A guest speaker (usually a Psychiatrist) is invited to explain how a diagnosis is reached and other diagnostic terms.
Activities Include:
- Group discussion about diagnosis
- Question and answer session with psychiatrist
- Recap and preparation for module 3
Week 3
Treatment interventions towards recovery
The aim of this module is to support participants in developing an understanding of the different treatment options that can assist in recovery from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The module focuses primarily on medication treatments for these conditions. A guest speaker (usually a Psychiatrist) is invited to explain about treatment options.
Activities Include:
- Group discussion about treatments options
- Question and answer session with psychiatrist
- Recap and preparation for Module 4
Week 4
Voices & Distressing beliefs
The purpose of this module is to help participants to understand and deal with experiences such as hearing voices and distressing beliefs.
Activities Include:
- Group discussion on what may bring on voices or distressing beliefs
- Case study on hearing voices
- Group discussion on coping strategies
- Recap and introduction to module 5
Week 5
Recovery
The purpose of this module is to support participants in exploring the meaning of recovery and how it might apply to them.
Activities Include:
- Group Discussion on recovery
- Team sessions on positive things people can do to give themselves hope
- Paired session on taking personal responsibility for recovery
- Recap and introduction to module 6
Week 6
Maintaining recovery & relapse prevention
The purpose of this module is to look at maintaining recovery and introducing the participants to relapse prevention.
Activities Include:
- Fun team quiz on recovery
- Introduction to self-help wellness tools
- Recap and introduction to module 7
Week 7
Self-advocacy & stigma
The purpose of this module is to give participants a basic understanding of different models of advocacy with particular emphasis on self- advocacy and dealing with stigma.
Activities Include:
- Group discussion on advocacy
- Case study on how to make a complaint
- Group discussions on stigma and how to confront it
Week 8
Rights & Entitlements
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the role of the Community welfare Officer (CWO) and for participants to develop an understanding of social welfare entitlements and how to access them. This session is presented by a guest speaker (either a Community Welfare Officer or Mental Health Social Worker).
The second part provides participants with an opportunity to discuss what worked well for them as a group and what has not worked well. It provides a chance for the group to celebrate their work in the previous 7 modules, to receive certificates of attendance in recognition of their participation and to provide closure to the programme.
Activities Include:
- Group discussion on social welfare entitlements
- Question and answer session with the guest speaker
- Group discussion on the impact of the programme on participants
- Presentation of certificates
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