Mental health service Billabong Clubhouse will celebrate 21 years of helping the Tamworth community next week.
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The centre was originally set up to support people recovering from, or living with, a mental health condition.
Tamworth's old police building on Darling Street was acquired in 1998 and the clubhouse was formed.
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"We needed somewhere for people recovering from mental health issues to go ... it's a place where everyone can meet and talk to one another," Billabong Clubhouse community engagement officer Joe Miller said.
Billabong tries to support members by "motivating" them, Mr Miller said.
Mental health is at the forefront now, but it used to have a stigma for a long, long time
- Joe Miller
They have access to a kitchen and a gym and can access advice on budgeting and applying to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Billabong also runs other programs like a Friday brunch and excursion, and can assist with shopping and helping people find employment.
One of the biggest changes in the past 21 years has been the attitude to mental health, Mr Miller said.
"Mental health is at the forefront now, but it used to have a stigma for a long, long time," Mr Miller said.
The clubhouse has been not only running for 21 years, but also growing.
Diagnosis numbers for mental health conditions has increased, particularly for depression and anxiety among young people, Mr Miller said.
But that's where initiatives like Billabong Clubhouse come in.
"We've got better in providing services for people to turn to," he said.
The clubhouse has around 30 members a day drop in, but they're not the only ones that can benefit.
Mr Miller said Billabong Clubhouse helps train future mental health workers.
They host social work placement students from university, TAFE students and nursing students from UNE, he said.
Billabong Clubhouse will host a community barbecue with guest entertainers on Wednesday from 5pm to celebrate and thank people for the support.
Although the program is funded by Hunter New England Health, they rely on Tamworth's support.
"If the community didn't back this place, it wouldn't exist," Mr Miller said.
