Mental health day opportunities: Part 1 - service users' feedback

Healthwatch Liverpool’s Mental Health Day Services Report: Part One – Service Users’ Feedback (March 2025) gathered feedback from 278 service users across five providers: Person Shaped Support (PSS), Mary Seacole House (MSH), Imagine Independence, Liverpool Roots Trust and Waythrough. Overall, feedback was overwhelmingly positive and closely mirrored findings from a similar review conducted in 2019. Service users consistently described the services as essential to their wellbeing, recovery and daily lives. 

The strongest theme was the value of staff, peer support and social connection. Staff were repeatedly described as caring, supportive, understanding, knowledgeable and approachable. Many respondents said the services provided a safe, non-judgemental environment where they could meet people with similar experiences, reduce isolation and build meaningful friendships. Service users frequently stated that the support available had improved their confidence, helped them manage anxiety and depression, and created a sense of belonging. 

The report found substantial evidence that the services contribute directly to mental wellbeing and recovery. Many participants reported that the services had helped them avoid crisis situations, reduce reliance on NHS mental health services and develop coping strategies. Some described the services as “life-saving”, explaining that they had supported them through severe mental ill health, suicidal thoughts, bereavement and social isolation. Others highlighted how the services had enabled them to volunteer, gain employment, reduce medication use or become more active within their communities. 

Activities remained a major strength. Service users particularly valued relaxation groups, music activities, anxiety management courses, arts and crafts, walking groups, exercise programmes and peer-support opportunities. While mental health-focused courses were important, many people explained that social and creative activities were equally valuable because they helped them leave the house, build routines and connect with others. 

Several challenges were identified. Service users wanted:

• More activities and a wider choice of courses.
• Longer-term support rather than fixed time limits.
• More staff and increased funding.
• Better access to services across different parts of Liverpool.
• More one-to-one support where required.
• Improved transport and accessibility.
• Greater language support and culturally appropriate provision, particularly through Mary Seacole House. 

A notable finding was that 57.4% of respondents did not access any other support services outside these mental health day services, almost identical to the proportion identified in 2019. The most common barriers were anxiety, fear of meeting new people, transport difficulties, cost and lack of knowledge about other services. Many respondents said their current service provided all the support they needed and offered a trusted environment they felt comfortable using. 

Healthwatch concluded that these services are a vital part of Liverpool’s mental health support system and recommended:

• Maintaining and increasing funding where possible.
• Improving coordination between providers and statutory services.
• Creating simpler referral pathways.
• Expanding opportunities for shared activities and training.
• Strengthening support for culturally diverse communities.
• Avoiding rigid time limits on support where longer-term involvement remains beneficial.
• Recognising that these services are much more than temporary support and play a critical role in preventing deterioration, crisis and social isolation.