The “Low Cost – High Impact” category in the Design in Mental Health Awards recognises projects that achieve significant improvements in patient care, well-being or safety, at little cost. The Service User Engagement award celebrates initiatives which engage patients and uses their ideas or skills to increase patient satisfaction, develop better care plans, or ultimately lead to better health outcomes.
Spearheaded by our Expert by Experience lead, Raf Hamaizia, the Cygnet Social Hubs transform clinical environments at our services into fun, relaxing, engaging spaces, equipped with facilities such as gaming zones, arcade machines, sensory lighting, music equipment, bean bags, nail bars, comfortable seating and so much more.
The concept of these hubs goes beyond physical spaces; it’s about fostering a sense of community, engagement, and normality for both service users and staff.
Service users collaborate with staff, Raf and his team of Experts by Experience, giving their wish list of items for the hub, and in the majority of cases, the space is transformed in just one day.
More than 20 Cygnet services currently have a social hub installed.
Raf said: “I am really proud that the social hubs project has been shortlisted in not one but two categories at the Design in Mental Health Awards.
“Cygnet’s Social Hubs are built on the principle of least restrictive practice, meaning they aim to create spaces that are as open and free as possible, while still ensuring safety and well-being. I have seen first-hand the impact social hubs are having across our services, supporting with things like a greater sense of community, peer and staff connections, reducing incidents and creating a more relaxing, non-clinical environment for our service users.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of the staff and our Experts by Experiences who are passionate about creating inclusive and supportive spaces for individuals on their recovery journeys. The Social Hubs were designed with input from those with lived experience, ensuring they provide a welcoming and empowering environment that fosters connection, purpose, and well-being.
“At Cygnet, we believe that thoughtfully designed spaces can have a profound impact on mental health recovery, and being acknowledged in these awards further reinforces the importance of this approach.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain committed to innovating and enhancing the experiences of those we support.”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 3 June.