Despite the weather not living up to the promised summer, mental health service providers Community Road, Group Homes and Outreach held a mental health open day on Thursday, 27 July which included a garden party.

Customers, staff and visitors enjoyed an afternoon full of song, music, poetry, art and personal recovery speeches, as well as a delicious buffet lunch made by customers and staff.

Celebration

There was celebration of the work done by customers and staff, with many sharing their health journeys, with love and laughter thrown in for good measure.

Community Road, in Greenford, provides a safe and welcoming place for people with enduring mental health problems, supporting them to live as independently as possible.

Invited visitors, including the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor, local MP James Murray and Kerry Stevens, Ealing Council’s strategic director of adult services and public health, heard personal stories from customers detailing how the service had helped and supported them. The mayor was so impressed with the artwork that he asked if one of the artists would allow their work to hang in his office.

True Loves White Doves

One of the speakers included Chanelle Springer, who introduced the book she wrote during lockdown, True Loves White Doves, saying: “Today I’m here to tell you something. I have a mental illness too, it hasn’t been easy, in fact it has been a real struggle but the one thing I do, is to keep on believing in myself.

“From time to time, I would get into this cycle of being unwell and I would tell myself I’m an overcomer, I’m going to beat this illness I’m going to be someone, and I’m not just going to be sitting on this couch. I’m going to do what I should be doing in my life and that’s fulfilling my purpose, my goals, and my dreams. I’m so proud that I have written my book.”

Truly inspiring

Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for healthy lives said: “I was so disappointed that I was unable to attend this event, the feedback I’ve received from those who were there has been truly inspiring.

“As a council we are committed to treating physical and mental health equally, and that anyone on the edge of mental crisis, suffering from loneliness or still recovering from the impact of pandemic lockdowns has the support they need.”

The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor said: “It was a great day, and inspiring to hear from people about their achievements whilst at Community Road. The team of staff work so hard to support the people who use the service and it is massively rewarding to see the positive outcomes.”

Services offered include:

• Community Road Hostel – an 18-bed unit open 365 days a year, 24/7 to respond to emergencies. Support and provide a service to individuals who suffer from mental health issues and who would benefit from guidance on how to improve, develop and learn new skills to they can move to more independent living.
• Group Homes – there are 8 Group Homes in the borough, staff provide support Monday-Friday, 9-5, with personal, practical and emotional support.
• Outreach – support those who have moved into independent accommodation to help them successfully live independently.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, check out support and advice on the council’s website.