This is a documentary film made by the Audio-Visual Service of the University of Leeds on the Ashwood Psychiatric Day Centre in Leeds. Directed and edited by John Murray, it demonstrates the important work of the Centre by the use of interviews with users. The film begins showing the outside of the Day Centre and then some of the activities of the users, such as table tennis and a keep fit class. There is then a group therapy session with one of the users talking about his sense of...

This is a documentary film made by the Audio-Visual Service of the University of Leeds on the Ashwood Psychiatric Day Centre in Leeds. Directed and edited by John Murray, it demonstrates the important work of the Centre by the use of interviews with users. The film begins showing the outside of the Day Centre and then some of the activities of the users, such as table tennis and a keep fit class. There is then a group therapy session with one of the users talking about his sense of loneliness. At the end of the discussion one of the workers links it to high levels of unemployment. The film then shows some high rise flats, and visits a user of the Centre who lives in them, and who has a sizeable collection of paintings. He says that he used to work testing chemicals in manufacturing processes. He relates his story and is shown visiting the 'The Wrens' pub and returning home to 'Oatland Heights'. There is a close up of one of his paintings depicting a small boat out in a stormy sea in darkness. He attends the Centre three days a week, and is shown in a group therapy session. The film switches to other users getting tea and coffee at the centre. Two women, Gloria and Judith, make toasted sandwiches, at 20p each. One woman user gives another woman user a haircut. Other users show each other old photos, and they listen to a record player. There is a sign advertising Martina dancing the ballet Coppelia at the Civic Centre, Leeds. A blackboard has the day's events written on it. A notice advertises a new photography group being started up by Sue, and the group takes some photos nearby. There follows a long interview with one of the women in the group, who recounts her story. After five years she is now back to her normal life with her family, bringing her children home from School, but still going to the centre because she wants to help. Two users do some gardening in the grounds of the Centre and one of them is interviewed. He takes his dog out for a walk in the park opposite where he lives. The Centre has a jumble sale on Feb 10th 1982. The film ends with some users playing pool whilst someone plays the piano. End Credits - Made with the assistance of Leeds Association of Mental health, with thanks to the members of Ashwood Day Centre. Produced for the Department of Psychology by the film unit of the Audio-Visual Service of University of Leeds. Advisor; Kay Toon.