The “Low Cost – High Impact” category recognises projects that achieve significant improvements in patient care, well-being or safety, at little cost.
Spearheaded by our Expert by Experience lead, Raf Hamaizia, the Cygnet Social Hubs have transformed clinical environments at more than 20 of 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. It is about ensuring our services feel like a ‘home away from home’.
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.
Raf said: “I am delighted and proud that the social hubs project has won a Design in Mental Health Award.
“It is fantastic recognition of our innovation and willingness to create the best environment possible for those in our care. This recognition means so much because it speaks directly to what the hubs were designed to achieve, delivering meaningful, person-centred impact.
“The Social Hubs were co-produced with the people we support, and from day one they’ve been about empowering individuals to build meaningful connections with one another and with staff.
“We’ve seen first-hand how these spaces have transformed daily life within our services, whether that’s someone rediscovering their confidence through a peer-led activity or simply having a welcoming place to socialise. The ripple effect on morale, engagement, and therapeutic progress has been extraordinary.
“We’re excited to continue growing the Social Hubs model and sharing this approach more widely across the sector.”
The social hubs are having a high impact across our services. Over a six-month period, the introduction of social hubs led to a 25-35% reduction in incidents across multiple Cygnet sites. At Cygnet Hospital Woking, staff engagement increased by 45%, correlating with a 35% drop in burnout – suggesting that when staff have meaningful interactions with service users, their roles feel more rewarding.
Feedback from service users also demonstrate the value of the hubs, with comments including;
- “It has been a game changer. It’s just so cool and fun, there’s always something going on in there now.”
- “I love the social hub, it is my favourite place here, it doesn’t feel like a hospital.”
- “I like to come down listen to music and play FIFA with my friends on the ward, staff join in too, it’s very good.”
- “It’s a really nice place to just chill out and relax.”
