SINGAPORE TRAINING

Patti Holland and Peggy Swarbrick take CSP-NJ international...

Patti Holland and Peggy Swarbrick traveled to Singapore to provide an intensive psychiatric rehabilitation training for approximately 70 staff working in the Singapore mental health system,- The seven day training covered PSR principles, value, readiness assessment and goal setting, consumer operated services, strengths model, evidence based practice, consumers as providers and much more. The training including didactic and experiential; activities---- By the fourth day the participants seemed to be applying PSR principles and exploring ways to alter attitudes and skills that had been based on the traditional medical model rather than the PSR model.

The Singaporean were marvelous hosts. Each moment of each day outside training was filled with learning their culture, country and about the mental health system there. Many staff were eager to critically examine how they were delivering services and thinking about how to improve their service system. Singapore is a small country with an impression housing system. Most singaporeans live in government sponsored housing, making housing available and affordable to all.

While the training was intense, there was time to enjoy the country, experience life in the far east, sample local foods and swim in the South China Sea! Friendships were forged and we hope to reciprocate, and have our hosts visit us here in New Jersey to learn about consumer operated programs, psych rehab in action, sample local foods (Wegmans soup bar- Patti's favorite) and swim at Sandy Hook!

Patti and Peggy still find time to do some much deserved rest and swim...

By,

Peggy Swarbrick
Associate Director