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

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.