UNSW's FBEOutThere! unit has been honoured for its role in the development of a community facility to support people affected by schizophrenia.

The Light & Hope Clubhouse is an initiative of Wollongong City Council and aims to provide innovative social and rehabilitation options for people living with the mental illness and their families.

Eighteen UNSW students from the programs of Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Planning and Urban Development designed the 'clubhouse' which will, when constructed, be available to the 3000 affected families in the Illawarra region.

At a sod turning event to launch the project, Wollongong Lord Mayor, Alex Darling spoke of FBEOutThere!'s valued support and generous contribution.

Describing the motivation for assisting in the Clubhouse project, Associate Professor Linda Corkery, from the Faculty of the Built Environment said: "On one level, it's recognition of the inherent civic responsibility of universities. Importantly, it demonstrates how students, academics and community members can to be active participants and effective partners in responding to urgent social needs."

The Faculty of the Built Environment's FBEOutThere! is a community engagement unit that brings together academics and students on real-world projects that combine interdisciplinary and service learning in a community context.