The right to work - an instrument in the process of dissolution of asylum in Santos, São Paulo

Abstract

Since May 1989, when the municipl intervention took place in Casa de Saúde Anchieta, in Santos, State of São Paulo, therapeutic projects have been elaborated for the patients of the Mental Health Programme sponsored by the Health Department, aiming at restituting them their rights that vvere withdrawn, among which, the right to work. Work understood as an instrument of rcconstructing subjectivities, as a starting point for the produetion of values such as autonomy, selfestecm, increasc of negotiation power. The Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Unit is responsible for turning work projects actually inserted in the city into reality for groups of users, such as service rendering, produetion and commercialization of goods, partnership with other institutions. Starting with these expcriences and reflecting the need of organization of these users- workers. Cooperativa Mista Paratodos is creatcd - a space of produetion, to enhance relationships, to undertake new responsabilities and risks.