Visualising a safe space: the perspective of people using mental health day services

Abstract

Day services for people using mental health services have been required to refocus on social inclusion rather than building-based services. This research explored how this policy was perceived by people using such services, using photography to capture their experience of areas of a mental health resource centre. An action research group took the photographs and analysed them for themes. The second author created a model to summarise the findings. Having a safe space was essential for getting involved, forming social networks and moving on. Constant organisational and staff changes impacted on this process. The findings raise questions about social inclusion. A safe space has been identified as centrally important, giving people a refuge, social contact and meaningful occupation.

Keywords:

• mental health
• day services
• visual methods
• user involvement

Acknowledgements

This research was generously supported by many people in the local mental health day services and at Brunel University. Particular thanks are offered to those who gave written permission to reproduce the photographs, the other members of the action research group, staff and managers based at ‘Elm Lodge’ and the two academic supervisors.