Experiences of adults with psychiatric disabilities participating in an activity programme at a psychosocial rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape

Abstract

Introduction: Adults with psychiatric disabilities require continued community-based care to support their recovery and 
community reintegration. Community-based mental health services such as psychosocial rehabilitation day centres and group 
homes were to support community reintegration of these adults. However, these services are limited and opportunities for 
adults with psychiatric disabilities to engage in meaningful occupations that promote occupational well-being are scarce, particularly in South Africa.
In addition literature exploring the experiences of adults with psychiatric disabilities using these services, is limited. The aim of 
the study was to describe the adults with psychiatric disabilities' experiences of participating in an activity programme at a psychosocial rehabilitation day centre.
Method: A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, and eight participants were recruited through purposive sampling. 
Data were collected through observations and focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Two themes emerged: "What's nice about the activities that we do do, is it takes you out your head for a while and 
If you don't do anything [...] your brain goes that way a bit". The activities were valued as they offered opportunities for 
improved socialization and enabled participants to meet various occupational needs.
Conclusion: Adults with psychiatric disabilities derived meaning, purpose and improved occupational well-being from 
participating in the activity programme. There is a need for more community-based mental health services to support the 
recovery of adults with psychiatric disabilities, thereby improving their quality of life within their communities.

Key words: psychiatric disability; occupational well-being; psychosocial rehabilitation day centre; community mental health services