Neighbor News
Seacoast Pathways Draws 90 Visitors To Open House
Many Show Interest & Enthusiasm For Mental Health Clubhouse
On June 5th, 2019 Seacoast Pathways Clubhouse, a non-profit recovery center for adults with mental illness, held an open house at its new space at 155 Brewery Lane in Portsmouth. The “clubhouse,” as it is called, follows an evidence based non-clinical recovery program. It is highlighted by a work ordered day where members voluntarily perform different tasks that interest them, such as operating a kitchen for lunch service, writing articles for its monthly newsletter, grant writing, cleaning, podcasting, designing brochures and planning events, etc.
The open house attracted close to 90 supporters and others who were excited to see the organization’s new 1700 square foot space created by Chinburg Properties in the Frank Jones Brewery Yard.
To rousing applause, three members shared their stories about what made them join the clubhouse and how it has helped them in their recovery. Structure, peer support and an alternative to being isolated at home with not much to do were cited as critical elements of the clubhouse. Its work ordered day follows the research and practice of John Beard, a psychologist and social worker as well as the director of the first clubhouse established in 1948. He challenged conventional notions of the time that people with mental illness can’t recover. There are some 300 clubhouses worldwide and Seacoast Pathways is one of two in New Hampshire, the other being Manchester Pathways Clubhouse.
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The program is non-clinical meaning staff are not therapists, there are no support groups and members need not feel worried about their diagnoses to participate.
Seacoast Pathways has been included in Governor Sununu’s 10 Year Mental Health Plan and welcomes any adult 18 or over with a mental health issue (large or small) as members. Membership is free. A referral from a licensed or qualified mental health professional is all that is required and all visitors are welcome. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 pm. For more info call 603-570-9804.
