History

SIMBA (Share In Maudsley Black Action) was established in 1999 in response to the need for an independent, autonomous organisation that would represent the views of, and be a voice for, black patients in the psychiatric system in Southwark.

When SIMBA had to vacate their base, the Jane Field Room, at the Maudsley in March 2004, The Lorrimore was approached to offer its support.

In Autumn 2001 SIMBA and The Lorrimore entered into a partnership/mentoring arrangement. The main objective of this arrangement was to facilitate SIMBA's continued development as an independent black user group.

The Lorrimore's specific involvement was to support SIMBA by undertaking key financial, advisory and support roles.

SIMBA's funding was due to cease in March 2005, but there was an overwhelming desire, from both mental health service users and professionals, to maintain this important community resource.

Therefore, because of the unique relationship that The Lorrimore and SIMBA shared, it made sense to build upon this, and to secure the continuing good work of SIMBA under the security of The Lorrimore as a larger more established mental health organisation.

As The Lorrimore already helped to administer SIMBA's bank account, bookkeeping, payment of salaries, provision of supervision, and provided office space, there was little practically that would need to change. The SIMBA Co-ordinators consulted with some of the SIMBA members to ascertain their views on the prospect of being incorporated into a larger organisation and, in general, they were agreeable to this so long as they maintained the autonomy and integrity of their existing work - this was something that The Lorrimore actively encouraged.

So, in April 2005, SIMBA officially became part of The Lorrimore, and its funding was secured for the immediate future.

Last updated 30th June 2006