North London psychiatric rehabilitation unit faced with closure following resident protests

By John Kaponi

A residential home converted into a Psychosocial Rehabilitation unit is faced with potential closure following a vociferous campaign by local residents objecting to a planning application, to grant a long-term change of use for the property for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

The "ClubHouse" which is based on a quiet side road in Enfield, is now drafting plans to appeal a decision by Enfield Council, refusing planning permission for the building to be used as a rehabilitation unit for people with mental health problems with David Marsden the Chief Executive leading the campaign to maintain the service.

Speaking to the London Daily News David Marsden the Clubhouse Chief Executive said:

"Even at the council meeting I was shouted down, I was pretty shocked and disappointed having been there for 5 years and not having any problems, the objectors having no evidence, it is hard to take.  We are united, we need to stand up to this type of prejudice, and we ware launching an appeal; at the same time we need to educate people on mental health problems"

Local residents have objected to the "Clubhouse" existence citing reasons ranging from smoking in the garden, to alleged fights to an alleged suicide bid by a member of the "clubhouse".  All allegations of fights and suicide attempts were found to be totally baseless, with no evidence by the centre of this ever happening.

"I just do not buy this care in the community idea; I don't want this in my street, do you?"
A local resident who spoke anonymously to the London Daily News, who confessed to never actually going inside the "Clubhouse".

The "Clubhouse" model and the members and staff work side-by-side to manage all the operations of the Clubhouse, providing an opportunity for members to contribute in significant and meaningful ways; therefore, a Clubhouse is operated in a partnership model with members and staff working side-by-side as colleagues. Through this environment of support, acceptance, and commitment to the potential contribution and success of each individual, Clubhouses are places where people can belong as contributing adults, rather than passing their time as patients who need to be treated. The Clubhouse Model seeks to demonstrate that people with mental illness can successfully live productive lives and work in the community, regardless of the nature or severity of their mental illness. Currently, there are over 325 clubhouses in 28 countries around the world.

Funded by Enfield Council and the Mental Health Trust the "Clubhouse" is a comprehensive and dynamic program of support and opportunities for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. In contrast to traditional day-treatment and other day program models, Clubhouse participants are called "members" (as opposed to "patients" or "clients") and restorative activities focus on their strengths and abilities, not their illness. The Clubhouse is unique in that it is not a clinical program, meaning there are no therapists or psychiatrists on staff. All clinical aspects of the program have been removed so as to focus on the strengths of the individual, rather than their illness. Additionally, all participation in a clubhouse is strictly on a voluntary basis.

At a time when mental health provision is under severe strain in the capital, the potential closure of the Clubhouse in Enfield signals another blow to the rehabilitation for people with mental health issues in London.

photo credit: Enfield Clubhouse members