Mental Health Awareness Week
from 12th to 18th May, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, we’re talking about something that lies at the heart of everything we do: community
Community is more than just a word. It’s the relationships, shared spaces and mutual support that help us feel seen, safe and supported. Whether it’s through friends, neighbours, local groups or shared experiences, being part of a community plays an essential role in our mental health.
We all thrive when we feel a sense of belonging, connection and shared purpose.
what can ‘community’ mean to us?
Community is interpretive – it can be or mean anything to each individual. But we know we can’t say just that. We have created five pillars of community to help you think about what community can be.
Connection
Building strong relationships and social ties that protect our wellbeing.
Peer Support
Creating spaces for people with shared experiences to offer mutual support and strength.
Lived Experience
Recognising the value of lived experience in shaping more compassionate, effective mental health support.
Engagement
Working together with partners and local initiatives to make sure mental health is something everyone talks about, and something everyone gets help with, no matter where they live.
Access
Community should be easy to find and open to all. Whether it’s through a local group, a chat with a friend, or support in your area, everyone deserves to feel part of something. Everyone deserves access to the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them.
Community can look different to everyone – a walking group, a yoga class, a peer support group, a local café, or even an online space.
Take our quick survey and tell us how community helps and impacts your mental health and how you’d like to be more involved. Your feedback helps shape the support we offer.
This year, your community fundraising can take you to new heights!
Join our May Munro Challenge and climb a Munro with your community. Whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, or a walking group, this challenge is all about connection, movement and supporting mental health.
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
