Established in 1994 by carers, service users and professionals to support local people experiencing mental health problems.  It aims to provide a non-medical service which addresses the social consequences of mental health problems particularly social isolation, low self-esteem and exclusion from many of the areas of life which most citizens take for granted- education, employment, arts, volunteering, faith, leisure and sports. 

Our services are based at the Leatherhead Clubhouse which is a homely building in the centre of Leatherhead.  For three days a week the Clubhouse houses day services in accordance with the Psycho-Social Model of Rehabilitation. 

  This was developed in the United States during the 1950’s and acknowledges that impairments and chronic illness exist, that they can pose problems for people, but suggests that the disabilities experienced by people are more often socially constructed, and have little to do with a person’s impairment.

Impairment refers to a part, or parts of a person’s body or mind that is limited in its functioning and does not make a person any less suitable to participate in society, but disability may prevent them from participating.

Disablement is the loss or limitation of opportunities to participate as an equal in society due to physical or social barriers.  The social model view is that society needs to be adapted and changed and focuses on the individual and collective disadvantages experienced by people disabilities and suggests that this is due institutional discrimination akin to racism, sexism and heterosexism. Challenging these levels of discrimination is dependent on factors such as the restructuring of society and the perceptions and prejudice that society has about disabled people.

This model is reflected in the current programmes running at Leatherhead Clubhouse:-

 Þ       Offering flexible and long-term support for   our members at every stage of their recovery

Þ     Promoting a sense of community and belonging

Þ     Running each Clubhouse as a small business generating meaningful work experience for its members

Þ     Ensuring that relationships between staff and members are mutually respectful and that members work alongside staff in every aspect of the running, planning and reviewing of services

Þ     Supporting members to take their place as full and equal citizens and to support them to achieve their aspirations. 

Since 2005 we have been developing a wide range of Community Connections activities, services and groups which aim to enrich the lives of members, promote good physical and mental health and support members to become more involved in their communities.  

These include-

Þ     Exercise Groups (walking, badminton, table tennis, football)

Þ     Smoking cessation advise

Þ     Information about healthy eating and weight management

Þ     Arts and Leisure Groups

Þ     A Women’s Group

Þ     A Men’s Interest and Activity group

Þ     Computer Tuition leading to an eDCC Qualification

Þ     Week-end  social events chosen by members and open to members who have moved on to employment or education

Þ     Special evening events focussing on employment and education  usually attended by outside speakers

Our services are funded by our statutory commissioners, Surrey County Council and Surrey PCT, as part of an integrated Community Connections and Employment Service for Eastern Surrey.  This involves us in partnership working with Community Connections and Employment Advisors from Richmond Fellowship Employment and Traiining to signpost and support members towards volunteering and employment opportunities.  Our staff have experience and skills in supporting members to access a variety of community opportunities including education and training.

Our aim is to provide the environment, support and services to promote our members’ recovery and to enable them to achieve their goals and aspirations.