Celebrating Community: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

This year, from 12 to 18 May 2025 is Mental Health Awareness Week with the theme 'Community'. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, this year the focus is on celebrating the power of community. In a time of increased isolation, digital overload, and social fragmentation, community stands out as one of the most important aspect in protecting our mental health. Being part of a supportive, positive community, where we feel safe and a sense of belonging is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. In this article, we explore why community matters, alongside tips to become more involved within your community, with local tips for Berkhamsted and surrounding areas.

What is a Community?

A community is a group of people brought together through something they share in common. This can be a geographic location, shared interests, values, aspects of identity or experiences. Communities can be found at school, work, faith groups, hobby clubs, online platforms, or even fan groups. The key is that a community should make you feel good about yourself, feel safe, and feel empathy towards others.

The Evidence: Why Community Matters

Being part of a community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with others and supportive communities around us. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than those who are less well connected. Social isolation, by contrast, has been found to be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Community offers us:

• A sense of belonging and identity

• Emotional and practical support during hard times

• Opportunities to contribute and feel purposeful

• A buffer against anxiety, depression, and loneliness

How to Get Involved within a Community

Becoming involved in a community can feel challenging – finding the right group, or feeling unsure about what community you would like to be a part of. There are many ways to become involved in your community, with some ideas below:

1.     Join Local Groups: Participate in clubs or organisations that align with your interests, faith or values. Perhaps you might like to explore a new activity, hobby or want to become more physically active. There are many groups based on interests, whether that is sports, music, reading or gaming. You can find groups through Hertfordshire Council, community facebook groups, or ask at your local library.  

2.     Volunteer: Offer your time to local charities or community projects. Helping others can build a sense of community and give you purpose. You may wish to look through local charities or causes that resonate with you. For example, you may wish to explore volunteering at food banks, befriend the elderly (such as Age UK) or volunteer at a local animal rescue centre.

3.     Attend Community Events: Engage in local gatherings, workshops, or festivals. Tring Together are a local charity that send regular updates on community events and groups. The Guide Berkhamsted also provides information on local events.

4.     Small acts of kindness, such as smiling at people you pass, or small talk with neighbours or shop keepers can bring positivity and increase your sense of connectedness.

5.     Mental Health Support Groups: There are many charities and support groups for people that may struggle with mental health difficulties.

Final Thoughts

Community is at the heart of mental well-being. By fostering connections, supporting one another, and creating inclusive environments, we can build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let's celebrate and strengthen our communities for the betterment of all.

If you are looking for professional support for your mental health or wellbeing, get in touch with us at The Lotus Psychology Practice, a group of HCPC registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologists.

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