Mental health centres as ‘meeting-places’ in the community: exploring experiences of being service users and participants

The purpose of this article is to present and discuss findings from a qualitative study within mental health centres called ‘meeting-places’ in the community. Ten service users were interviewed in order to explore and gain insight into what visiting the centres might mean in the daily life situations of people who experience mental health problems. The interviewees were recruited during fieldwork within these centres, aiming to facilitate the inclusion of service users who wished to share their experiences, but who might not otherwise come forward as research participants. Three main themes were identified in the data analysis: ‘To belong and be recognized’, ‘Needs for support and challenges’, and ‘Participation and everyday life’. Flexible community mental health services can be helpful by offering support and challenges as well as possibilities for mutual relationships. However, the study also highlights a lack of opportunities for participation and recognition in the wider society.