Making Space begins a fresh chapter for community mental health support in Stockport

Published 7 August 2025

We’re proud to share that Making Space has been awarded the contract by Stockport Council to deliver the community-based Mental Health Prevention and Enablement Service across the borough.

The service, based at Progress House, now called Stockport Connect Hub launched with two fantastic events: a Co-production Day in July and a Get to Know You Open Day in August, both offering opportunities for creativity, and collaboration with the local community.

Taking over from the long-standing support provided by SPARC (Stockport Progress and Recovery Centre) and Pure Innovations, our aim is to build on their success, bring fresh energy to the service, and continue to provide a warm, welcoming environment for anyone seeking support with their mental health.

The building and garden have been refreshed and redecorated, making the hub even more inviting.

Long-time member Rob, who’s been involved in gardening, art and social groups for six years, shared:

I’m still getting used to the changes, but it’s great that Making Space are keeping all the activities. The building looks great after the decorating and has really useful spaces. I’m looking forward to the community café being back up and running.

One of the highlights of the refreshed Hub is the upcoming reopening of the café, along with the introduction of Chatty Café sessions, where visitors can sit at a Chatter & Natter table, enjoy a drink, and have a friendly chat to help build community and reduce loneliness.

In July, we hosted a Co-production Day, giving people a chance to meet the team, explore the future of the service, and experience how co-production works at Making Space – including taking part in the interactive Making It Real Game.

Then, on 6 August, we marked the re-opening of the centre with a Get to Know You Open Day – a vibrant event filled with activities, workshops, and connection. Guests included current and former members, families, and partners such as Stepping Hill Hospital. Highlights included Craft with Kindness, where attendees made bird boxes for local groups, garden planting, joyful singing in the music room, and a delicious buffet – all enjoyed in the summer sunshine.

Fiona Marsden, Stockport Connect Hub Service Manager, said:

It’s been a real pleasure meeting so many existing members of the service, and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone even better in the weeks ahead. We’re proud to continue the fantastic work previously delivered, and we’re committed to building on the strong foundations they’ve laid.

For anyone already receiving support, I want to reassure you that you’ll still receive the same warm welcome in the familiar surroundings you know and trust. All existing activities are continuing as normal, and the Hub is now open daily from 11am to 4pm.

Any future changes to the service will be made with our members and volunteers, not for them. Co-production is a core value at Making Space, and we’re passionate about shaping services together with the people who use them.

We’re also excited to reopen the café to the whole community soon, so keep an eye out for updates. And if you know someone who’d love to join the team as our new cook, please do point them towards the Making Space website!

Find out more about Stockport Connect Hub, what it offers and how to access the service here. You can also follow them on Facebook.