Toon Walravens

Keynote: "Getting on Your Feet and Looking Forward"

In 2005, Toon Walravens was the first experience expert on a TBS-clinic in the Netherlands. That 'he' builds on experience from his youth years. Years marked by drugs, uninhibited and criminal behavior. Only when he goes to prison for five years, calls the notion to him that change is necessary. Addicted, psychiatric problems and loneliness is a part of him. With his beloved Andrea prominent in the background, he hits another path. A long, hard road, which eventually makes him what and who he is today, an expert and frequent speaker in the field of Psychiatry, recovery and rehabilitation of people in detention or tbs. Toon Walravens was in 2013 in England for his work in the field of experiential expertise awarded for the first international Redemption & Justice Award.

Toon Walravens is the founding father at a healing environment in a forensic setting run by experts with own experienced. (peer workers). GrowRich Centre at forensic clinic De Woenselse Poort, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

At the forensic hospital ‘De Woenselse Poort’ in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, a GrowRich Centre (GRC) was set up with a view to offering clients more support and opportunities to improve several aspects of their recovery process, by developing skills and acquiring knowledge that is separate from their treatment program. Clients can call upon the GrowRich centre soon after they have been admitted. The GRC is run for and by clients with the help of ex-client, family coaches, volunteers, and professional care workers. The GrowRich Centre can help clients in all wards within the forensic care in a variety of ways.

The Client Service Centre: Has clients’ interests at heart is a place to meet up with one another for a cup of coffee or a chat. Provides information and advice organizes

recovery training courses, theme meetings and recreational activities. Coordinates supplementary volunteer work. Offers practical training. Is where you can find work groups, client councils, dialogue and discussion groups.

This is facilitated by a number of activities by experts with own experience:

1. Courses directed towards recovery

2. Health & lifestyle training

3. Getting in touch with the client council

4. Recreational activities (karaoke, bingo, barbecue- socialization)

5. Attending informative theme meetings (eg. Lifestyle, money matters, housing first, hope, believe, empowerment)

6. Helping to organize activities

7. Volunteer work in collaboration with one’s counsellor

8. Participate in discussion groups (together with family and loved ones)

9. Look into on-the-job training or education opportunities together with the experience worker

10. self-help group for addiction, empowerment and self confidence.

NEW SHOES Summit 2019

Summit Programme