Why have a camp Program?

Murray, and Lopez (Editors, 1991, pg 21) state that psychiatric disability including schizophrenia stands as one of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide measured in years living with a disability. This burden is likely to increase by half in the next 20 years (Murray et al, 1991, pg 37). The prevalence of psychotic disorders in adult Australians (18–65 years) is thought to be in the range of 4 – 7 percent per 1000 depending upon the geographical area (Jablensky, McGrath, Herrman, Castle, Gureje, Morgan, and Korten, 1999, pg xv).  Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders are thought to account for over 60 percent of the prevalence (Jablensky et al. 1999, pg xv). 

Individuals living with psychotic disorders of this nature experience significant disablement in everyday living. Social isolation is a major issue of concern with approximately 30 percent of people living alone, approximately 60 percent of people living without interpersonal relationships, and approximately 90 percent of people with a diagnosed psychotic disorder reliant upon a family carer for support (Jablensky et al, 1999, pg 44).  In addition to the struggle with social marginalisation, many individuals with diagnosed psychotic disorders experience socio-economic deprivation.  The psychiatric disability itself prevents approximately 45 percent of people from maintaining a valued social role such as employment, studying or household duties (Jablensky et al, 1999, pg 45).

Members of SFQ consistently comment as to the extremely limited availability and accessibility of respite, recreational and social activities for individuals living with psychiatric disabilities.  Family carers state that general community activities and services do not cater for the required flexible support needs of family members with mental illness.  The expense of accessing individualised support or simply participating in activities also precludes involvement. Family carers also state that respite services rarely accommodate the specific requirements for support and understanding needed by individuals living with psychiatric disabilities.  Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities state that they are often uncomfortable and feel unsafe, without support, to participate in general community activities.  Individuals also state that they struggle to gain acceptance from community peers with little or no experience of psychiatric disability.  For these reasons families and individuals living with psychiatric disability frequently refrain from accessing general community services, and thus, the social isolation and family carer burden associated with the disability is perpetuated.

Previous camp participants have completed evaluation forms and taken part in informal discussion groups.  These individuals have described SFQ Camp Programs positively: 

• “The camp helped me to meet other people with the sickness and not feel so alone”;
• “I got to meet other people and maybe join a group near where I live”;
• “My mother made me come along so she could have a break.  It hasn’t been too bad and I met a girl I might see again”;
• “It was the first holiday I have ever been able to afford.  It was good to get out of the house with people I feel okay with”;
• “It was good on camp.  No-one pressured me to do anything so I could just relax”;
• “I feel so much calmer. I might take up that sport we tried when I get back”;
• “I can’t wait for the next camp.  I hope some of the same people come again”.

 Family carers have also described the SFQ Camp Program positively: 

• “It was wonderful to have a couple days to myself confident that Jim (son) was with people who could handle him”;
• “Peter (son) was so much more confident when he came home (from camp).  He started going along to the support group. He has never done that before or even seemed interested”;
• “Jill (daughter) was good when she got back (from camp).  She seemed much quieter and we didn’t have any arguments for at least a week.  Can she go again soon?”;
• “David (brother) seemed to make new friends on the camp.  One guy has even been ringing him up and they have been to the pub together.  He hasn’t had many friends before so I am really encouraging him to keep it up”.

Mental Health Clinic Staff report that: 

• “Individuals attending the SFQ camps tend to demonstrate improved health and improved compliance with medication”;
• “Many people attending the camps have shown improvements in their relationships and their relationship skills”;
• “Camp participation helps people to maintain their health and so participate more actively in community life”;
• “The improvements individuals show after camp really helps prevent hospital admissions and so helps people to live well in the community”.

 Jablensky, A., McGrath, J., Herrman, H., Castle, D., Gureje, O., Morgan, V., and Korten, A., (1999), People living with Psychotic Illness: An Australian Study 1997-98, Mental Health Branch Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra 

Murray, C.J.L., and Lopez, A.D, (Editors)(1991), The Global Burden of Disease.  A comprehensive assessment of mortality and disability from diseases, injuries and risk factors in 1990 and projected to 2020, The Harvard School of Public Health on behalf of the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, USA 

Read About the SFQ Camp History