The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is community. In this blog, we look at the importance of community to our health and happiness, and share our top tips for creating and maintaining successful communities at home and at work.
What is a community?
A community is a group of people sharing certain interests, attitudes or characteristics in common.
This might include:
- People living in the same geographic area
- A network of supportive people
- Groups formed around shared interests, values, beliefs or cultural identities
Communities take many forms. Your workplace can be a community, or have communities within it. Many communities come together in physical spaces, but others exist online through social media and other online forums.
How does being part of a community benefit your mental health?
Research cited by the Mental Health Foundation suggests that being part of a community can have powerful benefits for our mental health and overall wellbeing. Human beings are social creatures by nature, thanks to our natural survival instincts telling us that we’re safer in groups.
Being part of a community builds a sense of belonging and can reduce social isolation, both of which boost our mood. This is particularly important in times of crisis, when communities often come together to offer unity and support, whether to individuals experiencing difficult times or to the group as a whole. Taking part in community activities like volunteering gives a sense of purpose, boosting self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing.
“Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose.”
- Mental Health Foundation, May 2025
Tips for successful communities
Good, positive communities tend to be self-sustaining, as the feel-good vibe they generate makes people want to be part of the club. Some general tips for establishing and maintaining successful communities include:
#1 Make it fun
Doing activities you enjoy is one of the best ways to connect with others and meeting people who enjoy the same things as you will create an instant bond.
#2 Get outdoors
Spending time outdoors gets you closer to nature, which is proven to be beneficial for your mental health. It is also likely to help you move more, which could improve your physical health.
#3 Find like-minded people… but don’t be afraid to meet people who are different too
It’s often easier to start conversations with people who you know have similar views, but connecting with a variety of different people can help you learn and grow.
#4 Show kindness
Simple, small acts of kindness like chatting with your neighbours, greeting people at your local café, smiling at people you pass, or starting a conversation at the bus stop can help spread positivity and even lead to new friendships.
#5 Show appreciation
You might think positively about other people but not always tell them. Letting people know you appreciate their help or enjoy being around them can strengthen existing friendships and help you make new ones.
#6 Embrace online
In-person socialising isn’t for everyone. Online communities can be a lifeline for those with mobility issues, social anxiety or simply just limited time because of a busy work and home life. Just remember that a healthy community should make you feel safe, valued and connected. Leave, block or mute any online community that leaves you drained or anxious.
#7 Give back
Helping others by volunteering at food banks, local charity shops or animal rescue centres can give you purpose, lowering stress and making you feel happier. Likewise, taking care of the environment where you live or work can help improve it for all the communities that inhabit that space.
#8 Welcome others
It can be hard to take the first step to joining a new community. The more welcoming you can be as an existing member, the easier new members will find it to open up. Why not introduce yourself, extend an invitation and offer recommendations to help them with anything they need?
About Mental Health Awareness Week
Launched in 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week aims to bring the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. You can join this year’s conversation on the Mental Health Foundation website or on social media (Facebook/Instagram) by following @mentalhealthfoundation.
Posted 29 May 2025
By Andrew Grinnell
