Special housing urgently needed

Press, 22 September 1980, Page 4

Special housing urgently needed

Sheltered accommodation for people suffering from schizophrenia is vital, the first national conference of the Schizophrenia Fellowship decided in Christchurch at the week-end. More than 3000 New Zealanders suffer the psychological illness of schizophrenia, a condition which causes- disordered thinking, lack of motivation, and socialisolation.

Treatment is being developed at psychiatric hospitals throughout New Zealand, but sheltered accommodation was urgently, needed as a vital part of rehabilitation of patients in the community, said the Fellowship’s national president, Mrs Christine Staniforth.

“Pople with schizophrenia can be treated, but rehabilL tatipn takes a long time,” she said. We talk in terms of years not months. At present we are hampered in rehabilitation because of a dearth of half-way houses to help our patients and their families.”

The Schizophrenia Fellowship was founded in Christchurch in 1977. It now has branches at Auckland, Tauranga, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Wellington and Dunedin.

Each district will carry out a survey of the extent of sheltered housing needed in its area, which Will be presented to the Government as part of the fellowship’s work for next year’s International Year for Disabled Persons.

“We are determined to work for schizophrenia sufferers next year/’ Mrs Staniforth said. “This condition is a ‘hidden’ disability but we do not intend to let the future of more than 3000 New Zealanders and their families be hidden for much longer.” - ...