Erewash Mental Health Association Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee, a Registered Charity and a Voluntary organisation that has been running in Erewash for over seventeen years. The aim of the Association is to provide a supportive environment for our members and carers, where choice is paramount. We endeavour to make our day centres welcoming, safe and they also provide a low cost meal, with a teapot that never runs dry.

Our members have long and enduring Mental Health problems, and our success is that the majority feel that they can walk through our front door with confidence, and a feeling of self-worth. We offer a quality of life, mutual respect, and try to cater for the individuals needs and we are providing a valuable service.

We arrange many courses and activities for our members, for example, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Keep-fit, Craft, Computers, Line Dancing, Cookery, Listening Skills, Relaxation, Media Studies, Confidence Building and Art, which are funded by donations and chosen by the members. South East Derbyshire College provide support and tutors in many varied and interesting subjects.

The Association is funded by, South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust, Derbyshire County Council, South East Derbyshire College and Erewash Borough Council. It has always been difficult to balance the members’ needs, with our financial restraints. We have benefited over the years, by donations from many varied sources, which have made it possible to allow our membership some small ‘treats’, ie trips out, parties etc. Our Board of Directors / Trustees has representatives from the voluntary sector and last but not least, by any means, our members, all giving us their valuable time, expertise and knowledge.

History

Erewash Mental Health Association Ltd first opened its doors in June 1987, and was in response to a development worker from Derbyshire County Council Social Services, highlighting a need for a day centre in Erewash Borough, for people with Mental Health problems.

Long Eaton

Initially the centre was open for one day a week at Community House, Long Eaton, but in 1988 it was felt by the membership that a five-day a week centre was needed. Due to this change in policy they had to find alternative accommodation. Premises were rented at Christ Church Methodist Church, Long Eaton, until we moved to our present accommodation on Derby Road.