Crown Street Hub Report

Healthwatch Liverpool reviewed the experiences of people using Crown Street Hub and Parthenon, two Liverpool City Council mental health support services. Through interviews, focus groups and surveys, service users consistently described the centres as safe, welcoming places where they felt accepted and understood. Many said the services helped reduce isolation, improve confidence and provide structure to their daily lives, particularly at times when their mental health was deteriorating. 

A key theme was the value of relationships. Service users spoke positively about friendships developed with other attendees and the trusting relationships they had built with staff. Many felt that staff recognised when their mental health was worsening and provided support before a crisis developed. Activities, social opportunities and one-to-one support were all seen as important in helping people maintain their wellbeing and develop confidence, independence and social skills.

Many participants reported that they relied heavily on Crown Street and Parthenon because they felt other services were either unavailable, difficult to access or did not provide the same level of support. Some described barriers to using alternative services, including anxiety about unfamiliar environments, lack of available places, transport costs and reductions in other community mental health services. A recurring concern was that time-limited support and wider funding cuts were leaving people with fewer options and increasing their dependence on the remaining services. 

Healthwatch concluded that the services play an important role in supporting people with mental health needs by providing safety, routine, social connection and trusted support. Key findings highlighted the importance of maintaining supportive relationships, reducing social isolation, improving awareness of alternative services and recognising that many users view the centres as a vital source of stability and wellbeing rather than simply activity-based services.