Luxembourg non-profit association ATP groups together several sheltered workshop sites, and has just celebrated its 35th anniversary. ATP’s workshops provide work for people with a mental illness and are part of a national network of mental health care services.
Destigmatising mental health through work
“We support those suffering from mental health issues with their reintegration into society and work,” says Sandrine Bem, Director of ATP’s sites. Future ATP employees are referred to the association by doctors in cases where it is thought that work will help them in their recovery. “When we receive applications, we look closely at a number of factors, to match applicants with the right job for them: their experience and interests, motor skills, and the reason why they want to join us. We want to avoid failure at all costs — that would be terrible for the person concerned,” explains Bem. A psychologist is on site to help people learn about and understand mental illness. “Our workshop managers have trained on the job, simply by working alongside the people we employ,” she says. Henri Pater, head of the metalwork workshop, confirms this: “I’ve learnt patience from working with them. You simply have to accept that everyone works at their own pace, and then it’s all good.”
In 35 years, ATP has seen many employees retire. Others sometimes manage to make the move into the private sector, as Guy Meis, head of the joinery workshop for the past 20 years, tells us: “One of my employees is about to leave to take up an apprenticeship after ten years here. During his time with us, he’s not only learnt how to work with wood, but also how to work with his illness. I’m incredibly proud of all he’s achieved, and he should be, too!”
35 years, 6 sites
Over the past 35 years, six sites have opened across Luxembourg. Agriculture, screen printing, basket-weaving, sewing… It seems there’s nothing the ATP can’t do, thanks in particular to its highly motivated director and a dedicated team. Reporting from an event being held at the Kehlen site, what really stood out is how ATP is also one big happy family. So, let us introduce you to some of the ATP family…
The “mother”: Atelier Kielener
With its restaurant open daily for lunch, feeding the workers of Kehlen industrial estate, and its sewing, metalwork and joinery workshops, the Kehlen site has 55 employees. “They can turn their hand to anything here. They’re amazing,” says Patrick from Absolute Blue, a company that has been working with ATP for five years. “We always approach Atelier Kielener first before any other supplier. And if they can’t take on whatever the work is, we go elsewhere. But they never say no! It’s like a family — we know everyone by name,” he adds.
The nine workers in the joinery workshop make cane furniture, beehives and wooden sheds. The fourteen metalworkers carry out maintenance on Cactus supermarket trolleys and make iron garden sculptures, among other things, including a giant paella pan for the kitchen.
Upstairs, Isabelle Malena, master seamstress and head of the sewing workshop, supervises seven people and works on a lot of upcycling projects.
The newest addition: the Wiltz site and its artisan bars
At Atelier Hondsburren, employees make cereal bars, using traditional methods and as many local ingredients as possible. “They’ve just picked 50 kg of strawberries, which they’ll dry and use in the bars,” says Sandrine Bem. Available in several different flavours (honey, chocolate, fruit) depending on the season, the ‘Wonnerbars’ are sold in Cactus stores.
With a director brimming with ideas, the ATP adventure is set to continue for many years to come. A wonderful example of integration that’s well worth supporting.
Pictures : KACHEN
