Psychotherapist June Webb is the founder of Norfolk Clubhouse, a charity which aims to improve mental health in the county. Here, she explains why a new fundraising campaign is setting out to sustain support in the Watton area
June Webb founded Norfolk Clubhouse, a social enterprise promoting positive life options for 18-year-olds to senior adults, five years ago. The registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, who holds an MA in Counselling and Social Work, says: ‘As a Coach/Therapist and a former social worker I wanted to do something to help make sustainable change for those seeking help and reduce the ‘revolving door’ many encounter in the current system.’
Clubhouse is an International Movement dedicated to relational welfare approaches to promote mental wellness, based upon the International Clubhouse model of psycho-social support. Membership of Clubhouse is for life, providing a sustainable, genuine co-production model of support. There are some 320 Clubhouses worldwide – and Norfolk Clubhouse is the only such enterprise currently in East Anglia.
June adds: ‘Based on an abundance model, we creatively share personal and community resources to achieve our aspirations and identify and develop our strengths and assets. At present we have two Hubs in Watton and Thorpe Hamlet.’
The Watton branch of Norfolk Clubhouse has announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign, to raise £6,000 to sustain and enhance its mental health support and employability skills training services for people in the area. This will ensure those who can’t easily reach Clubhouse meetings in central and north Norwich can continue to access services through the group’s base at Watton Christian Community Centre.
Currently the Watton group meets on a weekly basis, with a part-time support worker organising everything from craft, music and cooking groups through to mentoring and support with re-entering the world of work.
June notes the importance of the Watton hub in supporting the mental health needs of the local community: ‘The Watton branch of Norfolk Clubhouse serves as a lifeline for individuals in a location where mental health provisions are very limited. Our small but dedicated team provides essential support, enabling Clubhouse members to overcome life’s challenges and regain a sense of purpose and wellbeing.
‘We may not be a large charity, but we hope that people in the area will appreciate the value in what we do and consider donating something – however big or small – to help keep the Watton Hub running in these difficult times.’
Funds raised in the current push for donations will be allocated towards the costs of part-time support staff and venue hire for the next 12 months. The £6,000 target is crucial to sustaining the charity’s operations in Watton and ensuring that Norfolk Clubhouse can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
To donate and help protect the future of the Watton Clubhouse, visit JustGiving. To find out more about Norfolk Clubhouse, visit norfolk-clubhouse.org. Follow Norfolk Clubhouse on Instagram. Membership is free, with ‘members’ playing an active role in the everyday running of the group. Prospective participants can self-refer, or be referred by their GP, social worker or similar professional. Please note: the charity has no religious affiliation.
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