From one room in a building in Levin Road for five members in 1994
temporary accommodation for 180 by 1995
the Atkins Road Balham site 1997 – 2013
and now nestled in Effra Road in the heart of Brixton
Mosaic Clubhouse is celebrating 30 years of changing the lives of those living with mental health issues in Lambeth.
A summer garden party (pictured) heralded the start of the celebrations with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November.
Over both events members and friends shared stories led by Chris Thomas, CEO and Lucy Hastings, retiring as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
At the garden party, there was tasty food, great tunes (DJ Matt) a trip down memory lane and the sharing of hopes for the future.
At the AGM Chris Thomas highlighted Mosaic’s busy year and extent of growth since 1994. Over the last year 449 people attended Mosaic, 932 people benefited from help at the Information Hub and 134 people in crisis attended the Evening Sanctuary. 87% of members would recommend Mosaic to friends and family.
Including those who spoke, Rio told how Mosaic has “ boosted my confidence and enabled me to do more, I’m much more sociable and interested with people more”.
A year on from joining, Rio is studying for a Level 2 in Business & Administration, which finishes July 2025. The work in Mosaic’s B&A unit had empowered him to take the next steps. A point stressed by Lee Elliott, Co-ordinator, Employment, Information and Training, introducing how volunteering can change lives… and beautifully illustrated by Amy’s entertaining ‘performance’ with doggie sidekick Bonny.
Paws and Pause
https://www.pawsandpause.co.uk
Finally Dorrel spoke joyously on how Mosaic had supported her emotionally with her depression, practically with furniture and a new stove when she finally got a place to call home, and enabled her to get discount to attend Brixton Recreation Centre classes.
Times Health Commission
These celebrations are timely. Mosaic’s recognition in The Times Health Commission 2024 underscores its impact in the field of mental health.
The Commission, a year-long endeavour addressing the most urgent challenges facing health and social care in the UK, identified Mosaic Clubhouse as a key player in providing effective mental health support and rehabilitation services.
‘…investing in preventative services such as Mosaic will reduce mental ill health…’ as Chris Thomas, CEO, Mosaic Clubhouse is quoted.
Other highlights have included the visit of HRH the Prince of Wales to launch the Royal Foundation ‘Homewards’ initiative.
Members met with the Prince to highlight the struggles that people face in Lambeth when trying to find safe and secure housing and how these impact on mental health.
Chris Thomas, CEO said at the time,
‘At Mosaic Clubhouse we know only too well how difficult finding secure housing can be, especially for people who are facing mental health issues. The Info Hub that our members and staff run side by side together, here at Mosaic, offers people practical advice and support to navigate housing issues. But we know that more action is needed. I know that our members had plenty of ideas to share with His Royal Highness as he spent time the morning with them!’
Summing up Lee Elliott, Mosaic’s longest serving staffer says: “It’s been a real privilege to have worked with such a resilient, dynamic organization as Mosaic Clubhouse and, best of all, to have witnessed the many success stories of our amazing members. Whether they’ve accessed paid employment, pursued a learning journey that’s begun with an entry level course at the Clubhouse or simply used the work-ordered day to develop the social skills and life management skills that have kept them socially included and out of hospital, it’s our members that are the real testament to Mosaic Clubhouse and we look forward to supporting many more people’s recovery journeys during the next 30 years!”
Karen Hooper
https://www.mosaic-clubhouse.org/new-ourstories1
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