A experiência de trabalho de usuários de um CAPS, integrantes de um empreendimento solidário construindo vidas e possibilidades

Abstract

The objective of this study was to apprehend the experience of members of a solidary group of production of recycled paper, Recriart, in incubation process in partnership with Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) and the Incubator of Popular Cooperatives Incoop of Universidade Federal de São Carlos. We also contextualized the group formation and operation ruled by the Solidary Economy principles. A number of 31 CAPS users from the municipal district take part in this enterprise which has been producing and commercializing products on recycled paper since 2006. It s a qualitative research that uses the theoretical reference of the Psychiatric Reform and Solidary Economy, and the methodological reference of content analysis, thematic category. The contextualization of the enterprise was accomplished through several sources of data. To apprehend the users experience we performed semi-structured interviews with 16 members of the group. All ethical care was taken. From the analysis of the interviews six thematic categories appeared: 1. Being a positive experience attributing meanings to the work in the enterprise; 2. Differentiating the work in Recriart from the previous ones from the capitalist organization to a new condition and organization of work; 3. Finding facilities and difficulties in the work of Recriart; 4. Enjoying the work in Recriart and identifying preferences; 5. Projecting the future of the enterprise expecting its growth and the members satisfaction; 6. Recognizing and thanking the support of the incubation team. The listening to the experience indicated that taking part of the enterprise makes several positive aspects possible for the members life. First of all, returning to work and, consequently, everything it means to the human being: learning, growth, maturing, mental health promotion, human development, autonomy and social and material exchanges. The solidary economy principles have shown to be pertinent to the social inclusion by the work in mental health, which reflects on the several facilities pointed out by the users, among them, the non existence of the boss and the cooperation. However, they also reported difficulties related to the production and commercialization of the products, relationships in the group, as well as to the working conditions that imply the need for improvements. Regarding to the improvements, the interviewed pointed out the need for an income raise and larger support by the incubation professionals/technicians and by public organs. In such a way, and according to the users, we suggest that this support should be made possible through the enlargement/strengthening of public policies that promote and encourage this kind of initiative on the field of mental health. This way, enterprises of that nature can reach their full development and integration with the net of solidary economy, building a more inclusive and solidary society.