An Ethnographic Study of the Experiences of Members of an Australian Clubhouse Mental Health Service

Clubhouses are an international community-based psychosocial approach to mental health recovery. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the current and future needs of Kindred Clubhouse members were being met. A co-design ethnographic methodology was used. Kindred Clubhouse met many needs of its members. It provides a collaborative, consistent, supportive and inclusive environment fostering connections, skill development, a sense of purpose and the maintenance of health and well-being through peer support and participation in meaningful activities and occupations. Areas for development were expanded operating hours, sufficient meaningful work to sustain a work-ordered day, and support for employment and housing. Lack of stable funding limits Kindred’s ability to fully meet the needs of its members. Despite insecure funding, Kindred Clubhouse is a valued community service offering a member-led recovery approach supporting many of the occupational, social and community needs of people with mental health challenges.