Endeavour Clubhouse celebrates 10 years of supporting mental health recovery and reducing loneliness in the Hastings

ENDEAVOUR Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse in Port Macquarie is celebrating its 10th year of supporting people living with mental illness.

The anniversary coincides with a new report highlighting the urgent need for stronger community-based mental health support.

A recent government report on loneliness found that “about 15 percent of people in NSW feel lonely ‘often’, and a third of people report having no one to support them in times of trouble,” said Endeavour CEO Garth Norris.

“The situation is far worse for people facing mental health challenges, who are twice as likely to feel isolated and lonely, than people without a mental health condition,” he said.

Mr Norris said the good news was that services like Endeavour could make a significant difference.

“Providing people with spaces like Endeavour, where they can make meaningful social connections, dramatically reduces the risk of loneliness by helping to build a sense of belonging and purpose.”

The Healthy North Coast Health Needs Assessment also highlighted the scale of the challenge in the Hastings, with “one fifth of people having experienced high or very high levels of emotional distress,” Mr Norris said.

“Worryingly, one in 10 people needed to access a mental health service but were unable to, and the rate at which lives are being lost to suicide in our area is well above the NSW average.”

Marking 10 years, Endeavour continues to offer a safe space for adults with mental health conditions to build relationships, grow confidence and independence, and develop skills that can lead to employment.

“Clearly, there is more we can do as a community to create connection, belonging and purpose,” Mr Norris said.

Anyone interested in learning more about Endeavour Clubhouse can visit the Facebook page or website, phone (02) 6583 4148, or drop in at 176 Hastings River Drive from Monday to Thursday.

By Sis HIGGINS