this support group breaks the isolation of people with mental disabilities

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Breaking the isolation et reintegrate the social life people in psychological disability situation : these are the objectives of mutual aid groups (Gem).

The Eure department has four, managed by the Abri association, one in Évreux, one in Bernay, one in Louviers and the most recent, that of Vernon (Your), open since February and inaugurated Friday October 25, 2024.

“The premises that we are inaugurating today have a double vocation. They allow people to come together in a secure and caring environment, thus encouraging exchanges and the sharing of experiences, but they also offer valuable respite to families. This place becomes a space where peer support can develop, and where the self-determination of people is put at the center of actions,” underlines Philippe Tessier, president of the Abri association.

Develop autonomy

Open since February, the Vernon Gem now welcomes eleven members accompanied by Lise Mendy, facilitator and several volunteers.

Joining the Gem is generally done by word of mouth or by medical recommendation.

Within this structure, we can freely do activities and outings every week. Coming here, you feel useful. Having human relationships is very important.

These activities are intended to develop their autonomy.

“It is the members who make their requests for the activities and outings. For example, we went to Biotropica at the beginning of summer. There are also some people who have difficulty shopping so I accompany them to help them make their purchases. Among the members, we have a former computer scientist who gives courses. The goal is to help them do things themselves,” explains Lise Mendy, who has worked in the social sector for 17 years and joined Abri two years ago.

A point of view shared by Unafam, the Gem's sponsor association which provides support for its smooth functioning: “We rely on the essence of the Gem to allow members to be active in their lives. »

Projects in sight

Many projects are still to be developed: the organization of a trip or the creation of a vegetable garden in conjunction with other structures.

This place, which aims to be friendly, was symbolically named Gem La vie by its members, a name revealed on the occasion of the inauguration.

Mutual aid group, 6, rue de la Poterie in Vernon. Contact: 06 58 30 90 49 or [email protected]

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