Clubhouse Network & Employment
The Clubhouse Network
The Clubhouse model was first developed in New York in 1948 at the Fountain House. It has become established world wide through the International Centre for Clubhouse Development. Following specific standards, a Clubhouse is a mutually supportive community of people whose lives have been affected by mental illness.
A clubhouse offers social contact, housing and employment opportunities and can assist people in recovery, and in the process of rebuilding their lives. Clubhouse offers an environment in which to regain confidence, self esteem and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Working as a team staff, and customers who become working members, follow a work centred day to provide the services and facilities offered to all service users throughout North Staffordshire. These services are professional and of a high quality.
Membership of the Clubhouse is free and without time limit, with all
the facilities available to social and working members along with people
who have returned to full or part time employment.
The American
The American was formerly a hotel and is situated on Waterloo Road, Burslem. This Clubhouse offers a number of social spaces where people can get together and take part in the activities available, ranging from a relaxed café, a pool and games room, computers and play station. In addition there are quizzes, competitions and a range of informal training courses such as basis literacy and numeracy, art groups, poetry and reading.
Macys is a group that meets weekly at the American and is a social event for young carers, giving them a space to get together with their peers for relaxation, music and enjoyment.
ECHO is a peer led support group for people who have
experienced self harm or attempted suicide. Meeting twice a week the
group has a social aspect along with more formal support meetings if
the members wish to.
The Observatory
The Observatory was formerly a public house, situated on the corner of Hillcrest and Dyke Street, on the fringes of Hanley Town Centre. This part of the network is available as a mental health training, resource and arts centre. At the Observatory there is a large training room, and art workshop and gallery (to exhibit members work) and a resource area, full of information about mental health issues. There are computers for people to use as a resource.
Happy Mondays is North Staffordshire’s only service that offers a safe place where a range of organisations come together, from 10.00am to 8.00pm each Monday, offering services to women only.
Supported Employment
With specialist support staff available to advise people who have experienced long term unemployment due to their mental health, our Supported Employment Programme offers, with our partners, a chance for people to return safely back to work. The SEP includes preparing for work training programmes, support with benefits, work training and portfolio building, and in some cases, work placements.