The People Make the Place

Middle Street is run on a peer support model - this means that alongside professional staff, members support each other. Being sociable supports good mental health, helping others builds esteem, and at Middle Street there is always someone who can empathise with mental health challenges. 

“I met all sorts of people in my classes. A real range of people, I was amazed. It didn’t matter really what their education level was, what their back­ground was, I did start to be able to identify what we had in common. While we were sitting in an art class, you know, just chatting to each other, I realized that, you know, my problems were not particular to the sort of family I’d come from, or anything like that, they were right across the board. ”

Centre user


“I was coming here regularly every day, except weekends. And it just went on in a blur really. I was quite happy. I felt I could be myself. I think that was the main impact. And you could do what you want to do because in those days, people would kick off for want of a better word. There would be incidents. And nobody took any notice, it was allowed to happen. You could be miserable and sit down. People could sit down and cry or shout. And nobody bothered. ”

Centre user


“I’m a firm believer, ever since working with Middle Street in mental health prevention, the first signs of mental health can be sort of alleviated by the sociality of being with other people. I think a lot of times with mental health support, there is this idea that we have this biochemical medication model where we throw medication at people with mental health challenges. But without the extra support, that doesn’t tend to work, as well as counselling, peer to peer support groups. I think if we hadn’t got these third sector charities… they are very important.”

Group facilitator