The Fountain House movement, an alternative rehabilitation model for people with mental health problems, members' descriptions of what works.

The clubhouse model is a method of rehabilitation where people suffering from mental health problems organise themselves in order to create change in their lives. Work is considered the main tool of rehabilitation within the clubhouse. The aim of the study was to explore the members' perception of the rehabilitation process. The study was participant oriented, which means that a group of members conducted the study in co-operation with the researcher. The study was explorative and research data were collected in a variety of ways including detailed notes, flipcharts, taped interviews and cognitive maps. As for ethical considerations, the members were guaranteed anonymity, voluntary participation and confidentiality in various ways. As a model of rehabilitation Göteborgsfontänen demonstrates a particular thematic subculture that has the goal of creating links between people that are characterised by mutual trust, habits of co-operation, solidarity and responsibilities undertaken voluntarily. Three keystones on which the thematic subculture rests were identified: meaningful relationships, meaningful work tasks and a supportive environment. The member must, in the first place, internalise the ideology as well as view differences between people as a resource rather than an obstacle. This was experienced as a turning point. The work-ordered day functioned as a framework and a resource for members and staff to work intensively with relationships. Some members experienced their membership as too intense at times which could result in a temporary withdrawal. A limitation of the study is that only members who experienced a turning point were involved in the study. This means that the data may lack some critical views of the ideology of the clubhouse.