Hallo there, I am a new'Icarista'. I am a survivor worker with bipolar experience and I like learning about alternative realities - so much better than talking about paranoia, etc. I work in a great Centre which empowers people. Built on the Clubhouse model, Survivors here own the Centre and make the decisions there. they are called members(none of your 'client' nonsense! Members can just come for a cup of tea and a chat with thir friends if that is all they feel comfortable with - or they can take part in activities of their choice, including advocacy groups. The staff attend our monthly Group Meeting in order to faciltate the decisions we make there. All the volunteers (me included) have once been members: it is our opportunity to give something back to the centre. I feel I belong and it is a good life there, based on choice. We get mainstram training in computers, facilitation, presentations, etc - NOT special training for Users only! I have been working hear for nearly six years: they really value Survivors here.