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18
May 2024
The Harrogate charity pioneering on mental health
In 1986, Baldersby farmer Chris Brown came up with the idea of opening a workshop to help people with mental health issues.
Mr Brown had noticed a relative with schizophrenia was fine doing tasks on his farm but problems began when he was idle.
He and three other families set up Claro Enterprises to test the theory that providing a safe working environment could improve mental health.
Just three people turned up for the first gathering, but 38 years later Claro Enterprises is one of Harrogate's leading charities. It helps dozens of people each week and has spawned a men's shed and a ladies shed, which operate from the same site.
The woodwork workshop
Mental health awareness has grown hugely in that time and this organisation has been at the forefront.
Initially based in Bilton, it moved in the early 1990s to the former printers site it now occupies on Spa Road in Starbeck. It works in partnership with some of Harrogate's best-known firms, including Bettys, EnviroVent, Farrah's and Fodder. Last year Princess Anne visited.
Here, dozens of people with mental health issues busy themselves by making craft and fulfilling orders. Most are employed in a well-equipped woodwork workshop creating items from MDF or oak supplied by furniture maker Ian Cartwright, the great grandson of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson who founded Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen in Kilburn, near York.
The products include doorstops, chopping boards and cheeseboards, which are sold to companies and individuals as well as on e-commerce site Etsy.
Others work in an adjoining business services workshop fulfilling orders by undertaking basic tasks such as stitching and wrapping.
Fulfilling orders
'You need to be doing something'
At an open day during mental health awareness week, which ends tomorrow (May 19), we spoke to Ricky, who has long-term mental health issues.
Ricky, who drives in twice a week from his home in Jennyfields, has been coming for three years. Other clients, he says, have been visiting much longer:
Items made are sold to fund the charity's work.
People can contact Claro Enterprises directly to get involved on their own but most are referred.
Claro Enterprises is part of the Route One to Wellness partnership that also includes Orb Community Arts in Knaresborough, Mind in Harrogate and Wellspring Therapy and Training, which is also based on Starbeck. The partnership works with GPs and mental health teams to recommend the most appropriate charity for people with mental health issues.
Claro Enterprises pays clients up to £20 a week — the maximum permitted without affecting benefits. Clients receive other perks including free lunches and vouchers. But it's clear from visiting that the biggest reward is the impact it has on wellbeing. People do what they can, when they can, in a supportive environment.
(from left) Founder Chris Brown, client Ricky, volunteer Catherine Archer and general manager Owen Jones
'This place ticks every box'
General manager Owen Jones, who leads six full-time and two part-time staff, said:
The charity generated £189,000 in the financial year ending March 31, 2023, according to financial data on the Charity Commission website.
Income comes from council funding for clients, private businesses, individuals and grants as well as from the sale of products. It's a social business that works.
Mr Brown, who is now a trustee of the charity, reflected on how far Claro Enterprises has come since his idea nearly 40 years ago at this week's open day:
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