Our History

The Centre for Better Health began its life in 1959 as an informal self-help group. The group was formally registered as a charity in 1962 under the name The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) and became the first community mental health organisation in Hackney.  

At the time, community care was non-existent, except for Duly Authorised Officers, or DAOs. These officers were invariably appointed because of their physical size and carried warrants that enabled them to arrange with a psychiatrist for 'the patient' to be 'sectioned' and to convey them to hospital - against their will if need be.  

It was in this climate that the PRA slowly emerged as a formal organisation under the stewardship of John Wilder – starting with small group meetings held with interested patients, relatives and professionals in Hackney. At that time, the PRA was supported by Gywneth Ross who volunteered full time as company secretary. Mirella Manni succeeded John Wilder as Director 2004-2010 and worked for the organisation for over 20 years.  

The PRA provided much needed support for hundreds of individuals on discharge from hospital. The services ranged from residential care, day centres, sheltered workshops, art studios and gallery, a shop, evening groups and an out-of-hours supper club. 

In 2010, PRA Services changed its name to The Centre for Better Health (CBH). Today, we work with individuals across the community to support wellbeing and recovery from mental ill health. Our ultimate goal is for individuals to lead satisfying and hopeful lives in a society without any stigma around mental ill health.