Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week – bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025 and the theme is ‘community’. We feel as though this theme set by Mental Health Foundation is something that we are passionate about reflecting not just within our care services but through everything we do.
The Mental Health Foundation state that “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 purpose.”
In this blog we will celebrate how our work positively impacts mental health and wellbeing across the communities we serve and explore how community support strengthens mental wellbeing.”
At Premier Community, we believe in the power of community. It’s woven into everything we do, from the way we deliver care, to how we support each other as colleagues, to how we connect with the individuals and families who rely on us every day. During Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s especially important to recognise just how vital that sense of connection and belonging really is.
Why Community Matters
When we feel connected—when we know someone cares, is there to listen, or will show up when we need them—we feel safer, stronger, and more capable of coping with life’s challenges.
Communities offer:
- Emotional support: A shoulder to lean on during tough times.
- Practical help: From running errands to sharing resources.
- Belonging: A feeling that we are seen, heard, and valued.
- Shared purpose: Working together towards common goals, which brings meaning to our lives.
The Role of Community in Mental Health
At Premier Community, we see every day how vital support networks are—not just for those receiving care, but also for carers, families, and colleagues. A strong community can:
- Help people navigate personal crises, such as bereavement, illness, or financial hardship.
- Reduce feelings of isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression and anxiety.
- Encourage healthier habits and provide positive role models.
- Create opportunities for open conversations about mental health, helping to reduce stigma.
How to Strengthen Your Own Community
Here are a few simple ways to strengthen your own circle:
- Reach out: A quick message, call, or knock on the door can make a big difference to someone who’s struggling.
- Get involved: Join local initiatives, volunteering efforts, or community activities.
- Listen: Sometimes, just being there and listening without judgment is enough.
- Share your story: Talking about your own mental health can encourage others to do the same.
- Be kind: Small gestures of kindness can help people feel seen and valued.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re feeling disconnected, please know there are people and organisations ready to support you. Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or a local charity, help is out there—and it often starts with one brave conversation.
At Premier Community, we’re committed to nurturing environments where everyone feels they belong. This Mental Health Awareness Week let’s celebrate the incredible strength of our communities. Let’s reach out, lift each other up, and remember that together, we are never alone.
How Premier Community offers support:
Warm Companionship Care: A visit from a friendly face can mean the world, especially for those living alone. Our companionship care supports families struggling to visit their loved ones.
Companionship Care can look different to different people, but providing a comforting presence to lift your spirits is at the heart of what we aim to achieve.
