The Clubhouse on the corner of Vernon and Cedar Streets served for many years as a drop-in centre for local residents with mental health issues. It is owned and run by Interior Health. It was in the news this year because of the after-hours antics of the customers of the homeless shelter next door spilling onto the Clubhouse property.
The Nelson Clubhouse was one of many around the world. Clubhouse International is a global non-profit organization that helps communities create community-based centres that give people with mental illness hope and opportunities.
I was involved as a volunteer with the Nelson Clubhouse for 10 years until COVID-19 came along and it was more or less shut down.
I can’t say enough good about the Clubhouse as it used to be. It was a place where people isolated because of mental illness could come, hang out, socialize, take part in structured activities or just sit. Activities included art, gardening, cooking and summer camp, but no one was compelled to take part.
Contrary to popular belief, it was not a drop-in centre for drug-users or street people. To be a Clubhouse member, one had to be referred by a psychiatrist. There were house rules, including no drugs.
There are many people in our community with mental health issues who have no family or friends for support. The Clubhouse was their family. Now Interior Health has pulled the plug on the Clubhouse. It remains empty except for the 24-hour-a-day presence of a security guard to keep people out. I don’t know IHA’s reasons or plans but as someone who was involved for many years. I am sad to see the gap this leaves in the lives of many vulnerable residents.
Phillip Jackson
Bonnington