Address by the Minister of Welfare,
Mr. Guðbjartur Hannesson

I am pleased and honoured to be able to open this Conference of the  European Partnership for Clubhouse Development and bid the foreign participants welcome to Iceland.

I was somewhat surprised when I began to read about the history of clubhouses and the concepts behind them, how long a history this movement already had. The first clubhouse, Fountain House, was opened in New York City in 1948 and represented a major innovation in services for people with mental illness.

The underlying concept has undoubtedly been developed over the years, but the basis remains the same, that of emphasising the ability and the rights of each individual to an active participation in the community and to a fruitful life in spite of mental illness.

The underlying concept of the clubhouse movement has spread throughout the world and it is of particular interest to see how this activity has been initiated in the cultures of widely different nations. By 1987, there were already some 220 clubhouses in the United States, and such clubhouses had also been established in Canada, Denmark, Germany, Pakistan, Sweden and South-Africa.

But what is the secret behind the activity of the clubhouses? I have already asked this question and received the answer that it is based on common human values – values that supersede all differences between people arising from frontiers, nationality, race and different cultures. I think that is a good answer and actually quite remarkable. Perhaps we could usefully apply this concept in other areas.

I have acquainted myself with the operation of the clubhouse at Geysir here in Iceland that was established in 1999. The Geysir clubhouse has proved to be a fresh contribution to the Icelandic discourse on mental health treatment for the benefit of all. The concept has been clear from the beginning and the emphasis remains the same today, i.e., that there are no patients at Geysir, all participants are equal. It is not a treatment or rehabilitation facility but rather a bridge between the clubhouse and the community at large where the activity is based on the mutual cooperation of clubhouse members and staff.

I have heard many stories from people that have benefited from the work of Geysir and they assert that there they have found a purpose and stability in life that has been invaluably useful in their fight with mental illness.

Ladies and gentlemen.

The prejudices of society against mental illness are gradually declining over time and much has changed for the better in recent years and decades. It should also be self-evident that each individual is valuable to society and should be allowed to develop, use his or her talents and enjoy the opportunities offered by life. People need to work together on the basis of the concepts developed by the clubhouse movement instead of relying on the traditional supervisory method of treating persons with mental health issues. The slogan of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, that nothing about us should be done without us, sounds quite appropriate in this instance.

The activity of clubhouses around the world is well grounded and is growing. They engage in intense international cooperation which is invaluable, since it is important for all nations and all activity to widen the horizon, learn from others what is well done and allow others to benefit from one's own experience and know-how.

This is what your conference is about. I wish you well and I hope you have a satisfying stay and the results of your conference will be fruitful for your work ahead.