Rooted in a shared vision for a city where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered, the Yor Community Wellbeing Hub programme is transforming mental health care through co-designed, person-centred services.

Inspired by Trieste’s internationally acclaimed model, York’s 3 Hubs, Clarence Street, Acomb Garth, and a future south east location, offer holistic, accessible support embedded in the community. At the heart of this work is a commitment to co-production, compassion, and creating spaces where people can thrive together.

Inspired by Trieste

Our approach is inspired by the internationally renowned mental health model from Trieste, Italy.

When Trieste closed its psychiatric hospital in 1980, it replaced institutional care with a network of community-based services - accessible, inclusive, and deeply embedded in everyday life. York’s Hubs aim to bring this same spirit of openness and compassion to our city.

Co-Design at the core

In 2022, we held a series of co-design workshops with over 20 participants - people with lived experience, local residents, and practitioners from across York’s mental health system. Together, we explored what a truly community-rooted mental health hub should look like.

The process was collaborative, creative, and inclusive. We agreed to:

  • work together with curiosity and respect
  • ensure everyone had space to contribute
  • celebrate the diversity of thought and experience

A Shared Vision for York

This vision aligns closely with the York Mental Health Partnership’s aspirations for our city - a place where:

  • everyone feels valued, connected to their community, and empowered to shape it
  • support is accessible and confident, enabling people to help themselves and others
  • mental health services are built around lives, not systems - flexible, responsive, and truly listening

The Hub Programme

At the heart of this transformation is the development of 3 Hubs across York.

Hub 1 - Clarence Street, north York

The first Hub, located at 30 Clarence Street, offers daytime support and was shaped through a co-design process involving people with lived experience, practitioners, and community members.

It laid the foundation for our values and approach.

Hub 2 - Acomb Garth, west York

York is proud to be one of 6 pilot sites funded by NHS England to deliver 24/7 community-based mental health support.

This initiative is part of a bold national vision to transform mental health care making it more accessible, compassionate, and rooted in the communities where we live.

Hub 3 - Future Hub, south east York

The third Hub will serve the south east of the city with a daytime offer. Planning for this Hub is yet to begin.

What the Hubs Offer

The Hubs provide person-centred support - clinical, social, practical, peer, and carers support. They are welcoming spaces where people can join groups, take part in activities, and feel part of a caring community.

At the heart of everything we do is co-production, co-delivery, and co-design. These principles ensure that services are shaped by the people who use them, not just those who deliver them.