May 08 - Clubhouse Presents Annual Report
After a year of hard work and achievement, Clubhouse Gibraltar presented their Annual Report yesterday at the John Mackintosh Hall to coincide with the start of Mental Health Awareness week.
In their report they highlighted the overwhelming support they had received from members, staff and the community in the last year, reiterating that such help is always needed and welcome.
Emily Adamberry-Olivero, the Chief Executive Officer of Clubhouse commented: “It’s the members that make Clubhouse. They are the protagonists and main component of the Clubhouse. It’s all about opportunities for people and moving forward.
“We offer accommodation, employment, community support, health and wellness and everything else in-between that goes towards getting to getting all this together. Everyone is treated as an individual and not everyone needs the same thing but we are there for wherever they are or whatever support they require.”
She continued: “People want a place where they can talk about depression and anxiety. Believe it or not we get along with the work ordered day as it’s not about illness but about health and wellness. So there is a separate space where people actually want to talk about their feelings. Another is for families and carers who need support. We also have a new course on Mental Health First Aid that has been born together with both Positive Pathways and Clubhouse. We are qualifying people in the community with mental health first aid. This not only serves as a fundraiser but is also educational and creates awareness over something that affects a lot of people in the community.”
Over the last year Clubhouse has been working with Positive Pathways to create a training scheme where members are taught skills in hospitality in the cafeteria at Ocean Views.
Ms Adamberry-Olivero spoke about the scheme: “One of our achievements is Positive Pathways which is a separate charity that offers employment opportunities and training. At the moment, the cafeteria in Ocean Views gives people the opportunity to train in the hospitality industry and at the moment we are also doing transitional employment placements which gives them the opportunity to gain full employment.”
Another of the achievements highlighted was a system where one of their staff members was able to work off-site and visit 68 members in prison, hospital, coffeeshops and their own homes.
Clubhouse also announced that, once again, their annual expenditure was less then their income. These expenses also include the salaries of the five mental health professionals that Clubhouse provide for its members. Expenses have decreased in relation to wellness activities and fundraising but expenses in food, stationary, marketing and utilities have all increased.
Since their last report, Clubhouse were given new premises at 304A Main Street but, due to the structure of the building, refurbishment still needs to take place.
Ms Adamberry-Olivero added: "For those who are not aware, our new premises can be found at 304A Main street just opposite the Methodist church. So hopefully, next year by this time we should be able to show some more photographs of the progress and by the end of this calendar year, I’d hope to be able to invite you all to a Christmas party. I couldn’t be more proud of my team and without them we couldn't continue.”
During the presentation, two active members read out personal statements on how Clubhouse helps keep them afloat.
Ivan, a security guard for the MOD said: "I joined Clubhouse about three years ago. Before joining, I reached a point in my life where I felt alone. The Clubhouse has given me friendship, love and family and I will always contact them. The Clubhouse staff and members work really hard to achieve goals and help others in need. We have activities, day trips, job preparation and encourage others to join in. I love to cook once or twice a week, so I provide them with food and unwanted clothes for the charity shop. I recommend society to join in and help us to help others in need because it's worth it. I would also like to see, in the future, Clubhouse in their new premises.”
Another member, called Stuart, commented: "I would like to stress what Clubhouse means to me and many members. It’s a place of safety where however you feel, depressed or unwell, there will always be a person with a smile to help you out anyway that and give you the confidence and creative ways of managing the difficult life we all lead. I had a big recovery since last year and I’ve now been able to cook and card making but the Clubhouse and GHA have managed to bring me to semi recovery. Whilst Clubhouse exists to support me, I shall be alright in my life also with the support of my husband, family and friends."
The Minister for Health, Neil Costa gave a statement during the report presentation and said: “I don't need to convince any of you that Clubhouse does extremely valuable work. The Government has a role in the work that is done for people with mental health conditions and it is our duty to provide medical services that help people as best as we can. The work that is done with people, the work that is carried out in that close interaction - that is so necessary. It is a wonderful thing that Clubhouse carries this out. One of the things I remember quite fondly was of the tender process that was coming to Ocean Views, where you had Positive Pathways that bid along with other business interests and it was delightful for us in Government that it was Positive Pathways that was the successful tenderer to provide the service in Ocean Views and, of course, as it is the centre of the ethos of Clubhouse and Positive Pathways, to be able to ensure that the persons who live with mental illness, are integrated into the community, seriously and without making a big fuss about it and to be able to integrate people by ways of employment…I thought that was a very wonderful and neat example of their work.”
Mr Costa continued:
“The Government does have a part in doing that but the day to day labour of love that is carried out by Clubhouse and its members is by far the more important aspect because the Government tends to be there when there are acute episodes, and it is important that when persons are well they can go back into the community but they’ll always have that love and that support that Clubhouse so perfectly provide and that they are there always whenever we need them. I know that Clubhouse is a friend to many people that when they're going back into the community as they rebuild their lives once again, are able to reach out to Clubhouse where they do such excellent work.
“It’s safe to say Clubhouse has the full support of the Government to be able to drive them forward and as I say Clubhouse does incredible important work and I couldn't stress enough how nice it is of a group of persons to give themselves up so selflessly everyday to members of our community who really need their assistance and it is my privilege and my pleasure to be invited today. Clubhouse, please do not stop doing all the incredible work that you do.”
At the end of the presentation, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Rene Beguelin, shared his thanks and said: "Thank you to the Government, the whole civil service, the community, all organisations and corporate entities who have supported us and organised fundraising events. It’s been amazing and we just need to spread the message so that more people come through our doors when we have more room to accommodate them. We have a bright future and will have many more achievements brought to you next year. Well done everyone.”
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