the essential
The Gem Ado mutual aid group is an association of people sharing the same health problem or disability situations. Its exclusive objective is to promote times of exchange, activities and meetings likely to create connections and mutual aid. We met them during their last general meeting.
GEM Ado was created in 2010, how has it evolved in 15 years?
Since its creation, our association, in a process of emancipation, now has its own premises. Since April 2023, in a process of self-determination in conjunction with Paul-Elie, facilitator of the system made available by “Ressource Jeunesse”, we have recruited a socio-cultural facilitator in direct management. Since September 2023, our GEM has opened its branch in the Castelsarrasin health basin. The GEM Ado branch is run by our employee, Brice Monchauzou.
What is the profile of a GEM Ado member?
A GEM Ado member is between 16 and 30 years old. He may or may not have an invisible disability. The majority of members are over 18 years old. The gateway to his arrival is mainly the situation of geographical, social, cultural and psychological isolation. It must be part of a care or well-being approach. The aim is to encourage personal autonomy so that members have access to full citizenship. Our association currently has around twenty members.
You have just moved to new premises, what activities will you offer?
Generally speaking, it is young people who propose a program of activities. The educational team is there just to support and encourage us, and possibly to help us by facilitating the implementation. Our program of activities is largely focused on expressive activities (Slam: writing workshops and open stage, cinema, drawing, etc.).
What are your recurring meetings?
“Le Petit Tout, The fanzine for young artists”, an activity around graphic arts takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., except during school holidays.
The organization of the film festival “Youth celebrates its cinema” in May at the Espace des Augustins.
Mental Health Information Weeks, a national event that we are relaying in Tarn-et-Garonne in October in conjunction with the Collective of Actors in Mental Health CASM 82. Next year's theme is “For our mental health, let's repair social bonds”.
How is reception organized every day?
The GEM orientation proposal is made in conjunction with a social worker or caregiver after a 3-stage meeting to get to know each other better. Our association is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with collective moments, as well as on Sunday following the projects. Apart from the facilitator of the system, our secretary is on duty on Tuesday afternoons. The other administrators (our president and our treasurer) also come to the premises to ensure the administrative monitoring of the association.
