Local MP champions mental health support during visit to Claro Enterprises

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visited Claro Enterprises last week, a local charity that supports people living with mental health conditions, to see their work in action and to celebrate an incredible fundraising effort by Dr. Bruce Willoughby.

Claro Enterprises provides hands-on work experience and support in a friendly, structured environment. Whether it’s through their woodworking shop or packaging business, the charity helps people develop skills, build confidence and independence, and move forward in their recovery.

During the visit, Tom met with Claro’s staff, trustees, members of the Men’s Shed group, and several participants. He toured the facilities and saw first-hand how practical, community-based support is helping people rebuild their lives and work towards employment.

Tom also presented a special plaque to Dr. Bruce Willoughby, who recently completed a five-week fundraising run from Land’s End to John O’Groats – his first ultra-distance challenge. Bruce raised funds for Claro and another health charity, and Tom was pleased to thank him personally for such a remarkable effort.

The visit follows Tom’s recent meeting with men’s health charity Movember during Men’s Health Week in Parliament, where they discussed the importance of better support for men’s mental health and the need to open up the conversation. Tom hopes to bring a local Movember-backed project to Harrogate and Knaresborough to help more people access the support they need.

Commenting after the visit, Tom said:

"Local mental health services like Claro Enterprises are absolutely essential. They give people the support, structure, and purpose that can really help them move forward.

"Visiting Claro was a real reminder of the power of community-based support. It’s about helping people gain confidence, build skills, and find routine all of which make such a difference to wellbeing.

 “Their work is making a real difference here in our community, and I’ll keep doing all I can to support better mental health services, both locally and nationally.”

Owen, the General Manager of Claro Enterprises added:

‘It was fantastic to welcome Tom and to see our local MP showing such genuine interest in the vital work we do. His support means a great deal to everyone here at Claro – staff, trustees, and especially the people we support.’

ENDS