By Jon Van Niekerk, Group Clinical Director, Cygnet Health Care
For many service users, discharge from an inpatient setting is only the beginning of the next chapter, but too often, without the right support structures in place, it becomes a revolving door back into care.
That’s why I’m proud Cygnet is leading the way with hosting the Sustaining Hope: No More Revolving Doors conference, taking place on Wednesday 21st May at The Lowry in Salford. This event is an essential opportunity for professionals across commissioning, clinical practice, policy, and service delivery to come together and explore how we can fundamentally change the trajectory for people in acute mental health crisis.
This event is a must-attend for anyone working in acute mental health care because it brings together those of us who are passionate about improving outcomes and reducing the cycle of readmission.
The revolving door phenomenon is one of the most pressing issues we face in mental health care. Too often, individuals leave care without the right support in place, only to return weeks or months later in crisis. That’s not recovery – it’s survival. And we have to do better.
It is not just a service delivery issue – it reflects systemic fragmentation across inpatient and community services. We need to have serious, solutions-focused conversations about how to better coordinate care, how to reduce delayed discharges, and how to embed genuinely person-centred models of care that support individuals long after they leave the ward.
That’s why this conference matters. The conversations we’ll have—from discussions around the Mental Health Acute Reform Bill to practical innovations in community solutions – are focused on what really makes a difference: therapeutic stays, safe discharges, and sustainable community support. It’s about shifting the focus from managing risk to sustaining hope.
For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the day will be the emphasis on ensuring that acute inpatient stays are not just about risk management, but about delivering meaningful, therapeutic interventions that prepare people for life beyond hospital. We’ll hear from voices across the system—commissioners, clinicians, service users, and providers—all sharing practical insights into what works and where we still need to improve. It is a chance to share ideas and strategies with others who understand the urgency of this work. Every conversation, every connection, brings us one step closer to a system that truly works for those who need it.
At Cygnet, we’re continually exploring how to strengthen our discharge planning, build stronger community links, and reduce the risk of readmission. But none of us can do this in isolation. Events like this are vital in helping us build the networks, share the data and best practices, and learn from each other to drive real system-wide change.
If you work in or around acute mental health care, this conference is not to be missed. It’s a chance to connect, challenge assumptions, and commit to building a future where discharges are safe, supported, and sustainable – and where hope doesn’t end at the hospital door.
Join us at The Lowry in Salford on 21st May. Let’s work together to close the revolving door for good.
