View report page

The Association for Mental Health initiated the formation of two clubs, one
the "Mensana" Club held for adults every Wednesday evening at Eastbury House
and intended for those who may have been mentally disturbed and where members
may find companionship amongst those who understand their fallings and in helping
others help themselves back to the normal routine of life. The members so far
are rather few in number and there is a great need for the assistance of psychologically
trained workers.
The second club is the "Happy-Go-Lucky” Club, first formed in September
1961 for the children (mentally handicapped) and held every Wednesday night in
Ripple School. During 1962 it continued to flourish, providing a wonderful and
satisfying club for the mentally handicapped children and providing for their
parents a much needed respite from their care with, on occasions, the chance
of an evening theatre entertainment in Town.
This club also had dreams of a bungalow by the sea and by means of houaeto-house
collections, raffles, etc., some hundreds of pounds were raised. By a
magnanimous gesture of the Variety Club of Great Britain, a gift of £2,000 waa
given and the total sum was sufficient to buy a plot of ground at Holland-on-Sea
and a bungalow built. The Invalid Children's Aid Association also contributed a
substantial amount in the way of furniture and furnishings and on 5th December,
1962, the opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Barking.
30