Embracing community this Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

With over 20 years of championing this annual event, the Mental Health Foundation understands that small actions can make a significant difference. This year's theme invites all of us to reflect on how we connect, strengthen our sense of community and boost our mental health and wellbeing.

Creating resilient communities has been central to The National Lottery’s mission for the last 30 years, supporting hundreds of mental health projects to help people come together and build lasting connections.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to Alexa Knight, Director at the Mental Health Foundation, who brings over 25 years of experience in health policy, research, and advocacy and is passionate about advancing equity and innovation in mental health. We also spoke to National Lottery-funded, Conwy Mind and Living Well UK, to hear how they are making a difference on the ground.

Why is community so powerful?

“Community is an important protective factor for our mental health” Alexa says. “It not only helps tackle social isolation, but it gives us a sense of belonging, safety, purpose and support. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer. They typically have lower stress levels and fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.”

Community can look different for everyone - it might be a neighbourhood group, a workplace team, a faith circle, a hobby club, a sports squad, or even an online fan community.

Current challenges in mental health

We are facing major mental health challenges shaped by global crises, economic pressures and personal experiences at work and home. Long waiting lists for mental health services remain a key issue. “It’s vital that people get the right support at the right time,” says Alexa, “but there is much we can do to support good mental health and prevent problems developing.” This includes eating well, getting out in nature, moving our bodies, and making social connections, as outlined in the Foundation’s Best Mental Health Tips. Organisations can help by encouraging open conversations, building compassionate working relationships and valuing staff wellbeing - see How to Support Mental Health at Work.

Recent National Lottery funded community and mental health projects include Scotland’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and Reclaiming Our Power, which use creative workshops to explore the impact of racism on mental health, along with Northern Ireland’s Wee Group initiative, providing structured peer support for people living with chronic pain.

Building supportive communities

To build stronger communities, workplaces and schools should foster connection, inclusivity and regular engagement. In workplaces, this means creating ongoing opportunities for collaboration, open communication and team building that go beyond occasional events. Recognising achievements, promoting mutual support and offering wellness programmes all help employees feel valued. Flexibility in policies also supports balance and belonging, which are crucial for mental wellbeing.

Schools can encourage inclusivity through clubs, peer mentorship and collaborative learning. For Mental Health Awareness Week, the Foundation’s school pack includes a lesson plan, games and activities to help children aged 4-11 explore healthy communities and wellbeing.

For someone struggling with their mental health, what steps can they take to feel more connected?

• Reach out to trusted people - connect with friends, family, or colleagues - even a short chat can help ease isolation
• Join community activities - get involved in local groups, clubs, or volunteering to meet new people and feel a sense of belonging
• Spend time in nature - walk in the park or join outdoor activities to benefit from both nature and social connection
• Practise self-kindness - strengthen your relationship with yourself through exercise, hobbies, or simply taking time to relax

Local impact: Changing Minds in Conwy

We spoke to Paul Williams, Project Lead at Conwy Mind’s Changing Minds project, supported by a £360,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. The project offers Mental Health Changemakers workshops - short, practical sessions designed to help local groups, like gyms, running clubs, or mums groups to feel more confident having conversations about mental health. Participants leave the sessions as part of a growing network of changemakers, encouraged to spread awareness in ways that fit their lives, whether through social media, fundraising or checking in on friends.

The project also runs Mental Health MOTs, short, informal check ins, like a car MOT or dentist visit, that lets people take stock of their mental health without stigma or pressure. By partnering with organisations like housing associations, job centres and local barbers, their team makes sure these check ins happen in neutral, everyday spaces. “We’re constantly thinking about what stigma, what little barriers, what little hurdles are going to be there and how we can reduce them,” Paul says.

Reducing stigma

Paul believes that while people today are more aware of mental health, the stigma hasn’t shifted as much. “There’s more knowledge, more appreciation, more understanding, but the ability to feel confident to speak out and seek support still needs a lot of work.” Changing Minds aims to change that by making mental health conversations part of everyday life.

Local impact: Living Well UK

Living Well UK is a leading mental health charity delivering services across the West Midlands through a network of more than 40 partner organisations. Its mission is to provide high-quality psychological therapy, counselling, wellbeing support, and practitioner training, alongside research and advocacy to strengthen mental health services.

“Strong communities are the backbone of mental health and resilience,” said Jana Cotton, Grants and Programmes Manager at Living Well UK. “By fostering connection and shared experiences, we can reduce isolation and empower individuals to thrive.”

With support from The National Lottery, Living Well UK has delivered impactful projects such as the African Healing Circles, which offers culturally sensitive support to help Black African and Caribbean communities maintain social ties and access wellbeing advice. Another key project, Peer-Led Youth Support, provides activities like art, movement, mindfulness, and sports for children and young people across Birmingham, aiming to improve mental wellbeing while also reducing stigma and barriers to accessing support.

How can you get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week?

• Wear It Green Day (15th May) - show your support by wearing green and raising funds for mental health
• Share your stories - use hashtags #ThisIsMyCommunity and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek to celebrate the communities that uplift you
• Join or host an event- from coffee mornings to fun runs, every action helps raise awareness
• Check in with a friend, neighbour, or colleague - you never know what a difference it could make

To learn more and join the movement, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website.