The launch was celebrated on Tuesday 9 September with a grand opening event attended by staff, patients and guests.
The new Social Hub, partly funded by the Greater Manchester Adult Secure provider collaborative, offers individuals supported at the Cygnet Health Care service a welcoming, non-clinical space designed for relaxation and socialising. The hub features a 100-inch television, a state-of-the-art flight simulator, arcade machines, massage chairs, sensory lighting and stylish new furniture provided by Knightsbridge Furniture Productions Ltd.
The Social Hub is part of a wider programme across Cygnet hospitals and social care services, transforming unused areas into safe, engaging, homely spaces following feedback from patients who said they would benefit from having a comfortable area away from the wards. Each hub has been co-produced by staff and service users, ensuring the environment meets their needs.
Victor Takadiwa, Cygnet Health Care Operations Director for Greater Manchester said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the biggest Social Hub yet here at Cygnet Bury Hudson. This project has been a great example of co-production between staff and service users, to turn ideas on a page into a wonderful vibrant space. I want to also take a moment to highlight the contribution of NHS Manchester Provider Collaborative, who were part of the co-production in supporting us with a generous donation to put towards this project.
“The social hub will make such a difference to the daily life of our service users. Having a safe, calming and enjoyable environment outside of the wards helps facilitate meaningful therapeutic activities. This can help reduce stress, build friendships, and strengthen the therapeutic relationship we develop with our service users to support their recovery and wellbeing. The feedback we’ve already received is incredibly positive, people feel it gives them a real sense of ownership and pride in their surroundings.
“Beyond the fun and entertainment, the hub plays a vital role in supporting confidence, independence and social skills, which are all key to helping people move forward. It’s more than just a room with games and technology, it’s a space filled with opportunity, hope and connection. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved together and even more proud of the impact it will continue to have for those we support.”
The Cygnet hospital, on Buller Street, offers 78 beds and provides a wide range of secure mental health services for men including individuals with a diagnosis of personality disorder.
The success of the Social Hub initiative across Cygnet services has been widely recognised, with the project winning the Low Cost, High Impact award at the Design in Mental Health Awards. It was also shortlisted in the Environment of Care category at the 2024 Patient Experience Network National Awards.
Cygnet Expert by Experience Lead, Raf Hamaizia, added: “It is a huge step forward and an important milestone to have a built environment like this in a secure mental health service. We have come such a long way in the sector and reducing restrictive practice is no longer a niche group of forward thinking people within organisations but a practical reality within our services.
“Social hubs have demonstrated increased levels of meaningful engagement, patient experience and social interaction whilst simultaneously reducing incidents and complaints. The Cygnet Bury Hudson Social Hub marks the latest milestone in a growing network of hubs across Cygnet hospitals nationwide, each designed to enhance wellbeing and support recovery.
“Seeing the reaction on the faces of service users and staff when they saw the room for the first time has truly been a highlight of my career.”
