MENTAL health is often described as the forgotten illness.
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And it's why a facility like the Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse is an important asset to any community.
The clubhouse is the initiative of the local community and follows international, evidence-based models for mental health recovery and to increase the social inclusiveness and participation of members.
It has been finished for a number of years and is now open with an established operational program.
Clubhouse director Rob Moorehead said they were funded until June next year and were hopeful some additional funding could be provided.
"Endeavour is the only Psychosocial Vocational Rehabilitation program on the Mid North Coast that provides members with a non-institutional service in a safe caring environment," he said.
"The funding is severely limited - only through a donation from a local family and the support of the schizophrenia fellowship, we've only got enough funding to operate for 12 months.
"We receive no grant funding whatsoever at this stage but we've only been operating for four months, so I think we've got a lot of runs on the board and had some great outcomes.
He said they worked in a sector where they could make a difference to everyone's lives.
"We have developed strong partnerships with Primary Health Care and Mission Australia our funding partner for the Partners in Recovery programs New Moves & Hospital to Home, we are constantly receiving new referrals from New Horizons from their PHaMs and HASI programs as well as receiving referrals from private medical practices on a regular basis."
Program users John Davidson, Janis Pisani and Michelle Spencer have benefited from using the clubhouse over the last couple of months.
"It provides a place to come and feel safe where you know you won't be judged," Ms Pisani said.
"We're all in the same boat and it's good to know I'm not the only one with this illness."
She said it gave her confidence to "get out of bed of a morning" and had helped build social and self-confidence skills.
"I've gained casual employment and met some wonderful people," she said.
paul.jobber@fairfaxmedia.com.au
