On Monday, that clubhouse reached new heights with the official opening of its new, permanent Auburn Street facility.

The Light and Hope Clubhouse has also had a name change - to the One Door Illawarra Mental Health Clubhouse - to reflect its new parent charity.

Meantime, One Door Mental Health Committee vice president Janine Cullen said its "heart and soul" continues to be its members.

"At the clubhouse, people living with mental illness and their families can find an inclusive community," she said. "They are provided with support services in a safe and respectful environment.

"The clubhouse supports members of the Illawarra community, whose isolation and need for help is sometimes so desperate that they view ending their life as their alternative.

"One Door Illawarra Clubhouse provides a place that reduces this isolation and loneliness and provides a supportive environment where friendships and life skills can be developed."

That's certainly been the case for Paul Brown, 42, who has been a member for a decade. "I love the friendly atmosphere and having lunch with everyone and seeing everyone progress with their recovery," he said.

"Once I stopped working I became housebound and quite isolated. I became part of clubhouse and my recovery became stronger and my mental health improved."

Gerringong resident Helen Mangelsdorf, 54, has also benefited from her long-term membership of clubhouse.

"It's like a second family to me," she said. "Everyone's got your back and they pick you up when you're down.

"Clubhouse has helped me express myself and find myself."

Ms Cullen paid tribute to those who had fought tirelessly to keep the clubhouse running, and to former chairman, the late Professor John Hogg, for his generous donation to the cause.

NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor officially opened the new facility, at 34 Auburn St, in front of a crowded room.

"One in five Australians will be affected by mental health," she said. "If we're honest we all know at some point ourselves or someone will love will be greatly affected. It's all about knowing where to go to get strategies to help you."

Kathi Boorman - the CEO of parent charity, One Door Mental Health - said the organisation provided support and clinical mental health services for those with lived experience, their families and carers.

"It's about a place that's home, it's about a place that's about community and it's about a place that's about connection," she said.

"We are here to not only provide services but to amplify the voice of people with lived experience.

"Because we need better services, we need to not have gaps in services or extensive waiting times."

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the great thing about clubhouse was that it was inclusive.

"It's open to anyone who wants to come here and meet with other people walking the same path they are," he said.

"Sometimes empathy comes through shared lived experience and that's a very powerful thing."