Mental health day opportunities

Healthwatch Liverpool reviewed Mental Health Day Opportunities services provided by five organisations supporting people with mental health difficulties. Feedback from 143 service users found that these services played a vital role in helping people manage their mental health, reduce social isolation and build confidence. Many respondents highlighted the importance of social contact, supportive staff and having a safe, non-judgemental environment where they felt understood and accepted. 

The strongest themes were companionship and wellbeing. Service users valued meeting other people with similar experiences, developing friendships and accessing activities that gave structure and purpose to their lives. Many reported that the services helped them improve or maintain their mental health, learn coping strategies, increase confidence and feel less isolated. General activities such as arts, crafts and social groups were often valued as highly as, or more highly than, mental health-specific sessions. 

A majority of respondents did not take part in activities outside these services. The main reasons were anxiety about meeting new people, lack of confidence, limited awareness of other opportunities and the cost of taking part in activities elsewhere. Many respondents saw the services as a safe place to socialise and felt they would struggle without them. Some also expressed concerns about reductions in wider mental health support services and the limited availability of suitable alternatives. 

Healthwatch concluded that Mental Health Day Opportunities services make an important contribution to wellbeing, recovery and social inclusion. Participants wanted services to be expanded through additional activities, longer opening hours, weekend provision and increased funding. The report highlighted the importance of maintaining opportunities for social connection, trusted relationships and safe spaces as part of mental health support across Liverpool.