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A mental health hospital has turned what was once a clinical space into a “vibrant and welcoming” social hub.

Cygnet St Teilo’s, a 23-bed mental health hospital on Goshen Street, Rhymney, created the new social hub to provide a homely and supportive environment for service users.

The project was part of an initiative led by Cygnet Health Care, which runs the hospital, and involved input from service users and staff.

The redesigned room now has gaming stations, a coffee bar, nail salon, massage chair, sensory lighting, arcade games, TV screens, music facilities, Harry Potter-themed décor, and cozy seating areas.

According to the hospital, every element was chosen based on a wish list created by the service users themselves, ensuring the space reflects their preferences and needs.

Byron Mtandabari, Cygnet Health Care hospital manager, said: “The social hub is a really exciting development for Cygnet St Teilo’s. It’s not just a physical space, it’s a place where meaningful connections can be built, between service users, but also with staff.

“I want patients to really feel a sense of belonging and this vibrant space will help us to achieve that.”

He continued: “We know that social interaction is an important part of recovery and having this space will encourage engagement, relaxation and ultimately, fun, which will make a significant difference to the day-to-day lives of those we support.

“I’m really proud of the hard work which went into creating this room in just one day and I’m genuinely delighted to be the latest Cygnet Health Care service to have a social hub.

“Our service users were so excited and their reactions seeing it were brilliant. It’s going to open up new opportunities for group activities, peer support, therapeutic sessions and just every day moments of joy. I’m looking forward to seeing the sense of community it will foster.”

The Cygnet Social Hubs project has been shortlisted in two categories at the Design in Mental Health Awards 2025; Low Cost-High Impact and Service User Engagement.

The winner is set to be announced in June.