Rehabilitation

Elements of the COOJ Rehabilitation Program

We design customized programs to meet each client’s unique needs.

These may include:

1. Therapeutic Intervention
Different therapy methods are used to improve psychological and social areas like thinking, daily tasks, and social or work skills that might have been affected or lost because of an illness.

2. Cognitive remediation
We use retraining exercises to enhance cognitive functions like attention, memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and more. Each program is customized based on the client’s specific needs, using psychological assessments and history to create a tailored treatment plan.

3. Counselling
Clients have individual counselling sessions to discuss daily stressors and other concerns. These sessions focus on problem-solving and developing coping strategies while also enhancing insight into their illness. We use various counselling techniques, including REBT and CBT, tailored to each client’s needs.

4. Vocational Therapy
Our vocational unit assists individuals in finding suitable job opportunities and developing essential skills. The COOJ Shoppe provides a safe environment for gaining practical experience, while supported employment and integrated services help with community job placement for those who are ready.

A. Vocational unit:
At COOJ, tasks are assigned based on vocational assessments, breaking down complex activities into simpler steps. Clients start with basic tasks and progress as they master each step. They create various products including seasonal decorations for holidays, weddings, and festive hampers.

B. Sheltered Workshop:
Recognizing that earning stipends or income through mainstream work enhances self-worth and confidence, we offer training in work-related skills, including ethics, communication, and vocational abilities, tailored to each client’s individual capacities.

C. Employment Training & Integrated Services:

Employment training and integrated services at COOJ offer clients who are stabilized and have basic skills the opportunity to earn income and boost self-worth. We provide a protected environment with minimal supervision to support this process.

– COOJ Shoppe:

COOJ Shoppe hires clients as apprentices who are eager to learn and work with the community. Located at our Bastora Centre, the shop offers typing, printing, photocopying, and lamination, and sells COOJ products. Apprentices receive a stipend.

– Supported Employment:

Supported employment helps clients who can work but need additional support to handle the challenges of open employment. These trainees are employed by COOJ and receive remuneration for their work.

–Integrated Services:

Clients who are independent, confident, and ready to work in the community are given opportunities through Integrated Services. This includes clients with or without apprenticeship experience, allowing them to work in local organizations. Regular feedback and assessments help maintain a positive relationship between clients and their workplace.

5. Group Therapy:
Engaging with peers in a supportive setting enhances social skills, understanding, and shared experiences. Key benefits include instilling hope, promoting altruism, developing social skills, fostering group cohesion, and facilitating interpersonal learning. Sessions may also use expressive methods such as art, music, drama, or writing.

6. Therapeutic Community
Clients engage in the daily operations of the center, developing a sense of responsibility and empowerment. This environment supports the development and practice of new skills in a safe setting.

Beyond Therapy: We go beyond traditional therapy to address all aspects of well-being:

7. Personal Skills Training

Essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management are developed, along with emotional intelligence, adaptive thinking, presentation skills, and computer proficiency.

8. Recreational activities
Our recreational therapy features a variety of engaging activities, including book clubs, gardening, music, and games. Held daily in the evenings, these activities promote relaxation, enjoyment, and social interaction.

9. Family Intervention
Caregivers often face challenges when supporting individuals with psychological difficulties and may even feel unsure about how to help. They can also experience burnout and strained relationships, impacting the recovery process. At COOJ, we offer regular family therapy sessions to address these issues, providing education, coping strategies, and support for caregivers.

10. Client Support (Friends Club)
The COOJ Friend’s Club is a support group where clients build friendships, develop talents, and enhance organizational skills. Open to anyone with a psychological disability, the club is led by a committee and hosts activities like cooking, games, and workshops on topics such as emergency services and money management. Members also fundraise through sales and events, creating a space for mutual learning and social connection.

Family Support Group (Carers Hope)
Carer’s Hope is a Family Support Group that offers a support system for caregivers facing emotional stress and challenges. The group provides a safe, non-judgmental space for caregivers to share their fears and anxieties. It also promotes family involvement through psychoeducation, coping strategies, and self-care. Meetings are held every three months and are open to all caregivers of individuals with psychological disabilities.

Annual Events:
The COOJ Rehabilitation Program hosts annual events aligned with significant dates for mental health and the Centre. 

A. Picnic : The annual picnic is a full-day recreational event that may also be part of a study tour, centered around a chosen theme.

B. Sports Day : Held annually on May 24th, World Schizophrenia Day, this event is dedicated to individuals with psychological disabilities.

C. Learning through Films Fest : Launched in 2017, this festival uses films, short clips, audio, and workshops to explore themes such as emotional intelligence, life skills, and communication, particularly for those with psychological disabilities and neurodiversity.

Awareness Programs:
Our focus is on combating the widespread ignorance and stigma surrounding mental health. We aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help. Despite progress, stereotypes and misconceptions persist, leading to more negative attitudes towards mental health conditions compared to other illnesses like cancer or diabetes. These attitudes impact not only those affected but also their families and society at large. Our programs include talks, discussions, seminars, media interviews, street skits, dramas, and musicals, all designed to address these issues effectively.

COOJ Internship Program:

The COOJ internship program offers opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates from various academic disciplines. Interns will have the chance to delve into therapeutic interventions used at COOJ, gaining hands-on experience and deepening their understanding of mental health practices. This program is designed to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in the mental health field, preparing them for future careers in this impactful area.

The COOJ internship programme Objectives:

• Enhance Educational Experience: Provide a structured framework for interns to engage in various COOJ projects, enriching their learning journey.
• Professional Training: Equip interns from psychology and social work backgrounds with practical skills by exposing them to real-world client interactions, preparing them for future careers in mental health.
• Skill Utilization: Encourage students from other disciplines to apply their skills and talents to the organization while gaining insight into mental health services.

Procedure:

Duration and Fees: The internship program offers options for 15 days, 1 month, or 45 days, with a nominal fee charged.

Application Process: Interested students can inquire via email or by visiting the Centre to check availability and confirm dates and duration.

Joining Requirements: On the first day, interns must submit a college letter, pay the applicable fees, and, if using COOJ transport, cover the transport fee.

Customized Schedule: The internship schedule is tailored to the academic requirements and program duration, providing hands-on experience with the Rehab and Eldercare programs.

Volunteering at COOJ:

Volunteering is a meaningful way to support individuals or organizations, significantly enhancing your own psychological well-being. It doesn’t require a large time commitment—just a few hours a month can make a real difference.

An experience letter will be provided upon the volunteer’s departure.

Who can volunteer?

       Anyone who is,

– Able to contribute a few hours a day or a few days a month.

– Passionate about helping people with psychological disabilities.

– Willing to share skills and talents.

– Enjoys meeting new people and making a difference.

Volunteer Opportunities at Rehab :

       We need volunteers who can,

– Teach clients new skills or assist during vocational and group sessions.

– Lead activities such as dance, music, art, or gardening.

– Bring energy and enthusiasm to activities.

– Maintain databases and create posters.

– Download relevant articles and videos.

– Assist with major events.

Procedure:

– Volunteers can inquire about opportunities by emailing or visiting the Centre in person.

– Complete the volunteer form, review COOJ’s rules and regulations, and sign the confidentiality agreement.

– Establish a volunteering schedule to ensure consistency and discipline.