Developing Recommendations for Young Adult Engagement in ECHS Clubhouses
Authors:
Julia Fragasso, OT/s, Heather Gilbert, OT, OTD, OTR
Abstract:
Young adult membership and engagement at Eliot Community Human Services (ECHS) clubhouses are low, reflecting a global trend of underutilized mental health supports among this group, despite their high rates of experiencing mental illness. This project aimed to help ECHS clubhouses increase young adult involvement by creating a comprehensive recommendation report for program development and implementation. Five interviews with clubhouses and related organizations were conducted and analyzed, identifying key themes of successful young adult engagement: community outreach and partnerships, young adult initiatives, environmental considerations, creativity and technology, and learning opportunities. Recommendations were developed using clinical reasoning by integrating data from interviews, clubhouse immersion and observation, and literature reviews. Senior ECHS leadership and clubhouse staff plan to implement recommendations to increase young adult involvement.
Key Words:
Young Adult, Community-based, Mental Health