Director of the Lyon Clubhouse: « In France, two million people suffer from severe mental disorders. »

PostED ON OCTOBER 18 AT 10AM

Founded in 2010 in Paris, the association Clubhouse France aims to foster social and professional integration of people with severe psychological disorders. Sandrine Plantier, Director of the Clubhouse of Lyon, talks about the two-year partnership between this public health organization and the Lumière festival.

 Copyright Institut Lumière / Laura Lépine

What are the missions of the Clubhouse?

Created in 2010 by Philippe Charrier, the association has three objectives: to end the isolation of people with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and severe depression, to promote their social and professional integration and, finally, to change the public's perception of these diseases. In France, two million people suffer from severe mental disorders. It is one of the first causes of sick leave in our country. Since the creation of the association, we have opened three centers in France (Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon), which are places of mutual assistance, where the members participate in daily activities. Our clubs are self-managed; our vocation is to restore confidence to people with these disorders.

As part of this integration process, you started a partnership with the Lumière festival two years ago. What does this involve?

Indeed, this partnership was created two years ago under the leadership of Cécile Bourgeat, General Secretary of the Lumière festival, who immediately supported our cause. The principle is simple: every year, eight members of the Clubhouse carry out volunteer missions during the Lumière festival. Volunteering is extremely important for our members; it is a first step towards professional and social reintegration. Cinema is a great way to break people’s isolation. Many volunteer members at the festival told me, "I felt useful!” And what is interesting is that they volunteer alongside the other volunteers. There is no distinction made between them and others and everything happens in a positive atmosphere.

What is the news of the association at the national level and in our region?

At the national level, we plan to open our fourth Clubhouse center in Nantes in the first quarter of 2020. The Clubhouse of Lyon opened in November 2017 and now has 123 members and four employees. Each employee provides personalized support of twenty-five members. Our next event will be the conference, "Mental Health and Employment," open to all, which will be held on Wednesday, November 27 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Hôtel de Région.

Practical information:

Clubhouse Lyon, 41 rue de l’Abondance (Lyon 3rd)

Phone: +33 (0)9-088-1748

E-mail: lyon@clubhousefrance.org

Further information: www.clubhousefrance.org

Interviewed by Laura Lépine.