Imagine stepping into a space designed not just for service users but with them. A place that feels social, warm, and uplifting—a stark contrast to behavioral health settings so often described by service users as "noisy, depressing, and clinical."
This vision is becoming a reality through Cygnet’s Social Hub initiative, led by Raf Hamaizia, Expert by Experience Lead. These hubs are reshaping behavioral health environments by prioritizing co-production, bringing together service users, staff, and estate teams to create spaces that foster connection, independence, and recovery.
The Power of Space in Behavioral Health Recovery
Raf has firsthand experience with inpatient behavioral health care and now works to improve these environments. He has seen just how much the built environment influences recovery. Clinical, uninspiring spaces can make you feel powerless. But environments designed with warmth, engagement, and community in mind? They can change everything.
This understanding drove him to champion Social Hubs—dedicated spaces within Cygnet Health Care and Cygnet Social Care services that move beyond restrictive, clinical environments to create areas designed to empower and engage both service users and staff.
At Safehinge Primera, we believe in the power of people-centered environments. That’s why we’re shining a light on this initiative—because when spaces are shaped by the people who use them, the results speak for themselves.
In this piece, we explore the journey of Social Hubs—why they matter, how they’re co-produced with the people who use them, and their transformative impact across multiple behavioral health settings.
Creating Spaces for Engagement and Recovery
One of the core principles behind Social Hubs is to improve engagement between service users and staff. Traditionally, meaningful activities have largely been the responsibility of occupational therapists, leaving other staff members in passive roles. Social Hubs shift this dynamic by providing stimulating environments equipped with entertainment options, encouraging all staff—including nurses and support workers—to take a more active role in engagement.
For example, instead of standing in a corridor watching a patient sleep during close observation, staff can engage with patients in the Social Hubs—playing games, having conversations about recovery goals, and fostering meaningful connections. This not only benefits service users but also provides staff with a more stimulating and rewarding work environment, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.
Designed With, Not Just For, Service Users
“A restrictive, institutional setting can make you feel powerless. But a warm, engaging space can support recovery in ways that medication alone cannot.”
— Raf Hamaizia, Expert by Experience Lead at Cygnet Health Care
Unlike traditional refurbishments that are planned and executed from the top down, Social Hubs are co-produced with the people who use them.
Here’s how it works:
- Service users and staff create a “wish list”—deciding together what they want in their hub.
- The transformation happens in a single day—bringing together estate teams, staff, and service users to co-create the space.
- The result is a fully functional, therapeutic Social Hub—not just a common room, but an environment designed by the people who will use it.
A Collaborative Approach
Co-production is at the heart of the Social Hub project. From day one, Cygnet has worked side by side with service users to shape these spaces, ensuring they aren’t just designed for them but with them.
It starts with something simple but powerful—a wish list. Service users and staff collaborate to decide what they want in their hub, from décor and furniture to entertainment and sensory features. This approach creates a sense of ownership, pride, and belonging.
Once everything arrives, the real transformation begins. In just one day, service users, staff, estate teams, and experts by experience come together to bring the hub to life. It’s fast, hands-on, and filled with energy—a process that turns an empty or underutilized space into something vibrant, welcoming, and genuinely therapeutic.
Take Cygnet Fountains in Blackburn, for example. Service users took a trip to a local shopping center to personally select items for their hub, giving them direct input into shaping their environment. At Cygnet Delfryn in North Wales, service users led decisions on flooring, paint, wall designs, and furniture—ensuring their hub truly felt like home.
It’s more than just a makeover—it’s about empowerment, choice, and creating spaces that feel truly theirs.
What Makes a Social Hub?
A Social Hub is designed to shift the atmosphere of a behavioral health facility—creating a homely, engaging environment that encourages social interaction and positive risk-taking.
Key Features of Social Hubs
- Multi-Sensory Design – Soft lighting, immersive sound, and visually stimulating artwork create a calm and adaptable environment.
- Interactive Entertainment – Gaming consoles, board games, and shared activities foster meaningful social engagement.
- Comfortable, Flexible Furnishings – Bean bags, soft seating, and non-clinical materials make the space feel warm and welcoming.
- Personalization & Ownership – Service users choose the décor and activities, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
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The Impact on Staff and Service Users
For Service Users: A Safe Space to Build Confidence & Independence
Social Hubs create structured opportunities for independence within a safe and supportive environment. They encourage positive routines, reduce isolation, and help build confidence—ultimately supporting well-being and recovery.
For Staff: From Supervision to Connection
One of the biggest transformations brought by Social Hubs is the shift in staff interactions. Instead of passively supervising, staff actively engage with service users—playing games, leading group discussions, and building trusting relationships. This shift has been game-changing for staff morale, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction.
The Therapeutic Impact of Social Hubs
Across services where they’ve been introduced, there has been a notable drop in incidents and complaints.
- Over six months, Social Hubs led to a 25-35% reduction in incidents across multiple Cygnet sites.
- At Cygnet Hospital Beckton, there was a 71% reduction in incidents of violence and aggression—in just one month.
- At Cygnet Hospital Woking, staff engagement increased by 45%, correlating with a 35% drop in burnout.
A service user at Cygnet Bierley summed it up:
"The Social Hub is a place to go when the wards get too much—somewhere to relax, take your mind off things, and feel at home instead of in a hospital."
Scaling the Vision: The Future of Behavioral Health Spaces
The demand for human-centered design in behavioral health settings is growing. As Cygnet expands the Social Hub program, the vision is clear—every behavioral health hospital should have a dedicated Social Hub.
Some services now welcome family visits within Social Hubs, moving beyond traditional visiting rooms. This shift fosters a more natural and comforting environment for everyone involved.
As Social Hubs continue to expand, Cygnet’s vision is to ensure every service user has access to a space that feels like home—a place to relax, socialize, and engage in meaningful activities.
We Believe in People-Centred Design
Together with Cygnet, we believe that good design doesn’t just transform spaces—it transforms lives. That’s why we champion initiatives like Social Hubs and continue to develop products that seamlessly blend safety with dignity.
Our work aligns with the priorities of behavioral health services—reducing restrictive practices and creating environments that promote autonomy and choice. By prioritizing both protection and empowerment, we’re shaping spaces that truly support recovery.
