Mental Health Awareness Week 12th - 18th May 2025

Akumen's Head of Mental Health and Psychotherapist, Suzanne Bailey shares her thoughts on the topic of this year’s mental health awareness week - community.

I found myself reflecting on how our sense of community and connection has shifted over the years. While belonging and meaningful social ties are essential for our well-being, the ways we form these connections have changed. Sometimes the changing social landscape can leave us feeling isolated.

I recently spoke with Mary who is eighty-five, she shared how the local groups, clubs, and services she once relied on for connection have disappeared – closed due to a lack of funding, volunteers, or attendance. She told me it often feels like the world has left her behind, as if the familiar ways of building community have faded into the past.

Yet, while the ways we build connections have changed, they haven't vanished. Many people are still finding ways to come together – often in the most unexpected places. For instance, platforms like Meetup offer countless opportunities to gather around shared interests, ideologies, or hobbies. Despite this, many remain unaware of these options, or perhaps find the digital approach unfamiliar or intimidating.

The beauty of our diverse culture is that there are people out there who share our passions, values, and goals – people waiting to connect. It often takes a leap of courage to step into the unknown, to reach out to unfamiliar faces, but the rewards can be profound.

Ways to find community in todays world

Together, we can inspire, guide, and support those in our community as they explore new ways to build meaningful connections."

How do you find community? Share in the comments below.