Everyone has mental health, all of the time. Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is taking place from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th of May.
This year, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is community (Mental Health Foundation, UK).
Anne Townsend, Operations Manager, says ‘Community can mean so many different things, it can mean local, national, or international, in person or online. What’s important is that these spaces help people find and stay connected to other people’.
Being part of a community, especially in your local area, is very important for maintaining good mental health.
Families and young people want to be provided with help near to them. They want non-judgmental, safe-environments, where they feel listened to and get advice specific to them (NHS England, October 2024).
The Door provides 1:1 support for young people and parents through mentoring and group work. Teresa Harding, Intensive Support Coordinator for Young People, says that mentors from The Door are ‘trusted adults who will listen and support, [they are] there to help the young person or parent achieve their goals’.
Connecting with others through being part of a community can show people, that they’re not alone, can link them to like-minded individuals, or people who have similar experiences (Mental Health Foundation UK, How community benefits your mental health).
For young people The Door’s youth clubs provide ‘access to trusted adults that young people can talk to’. (Noah Beard, Community Youthworker Cam/Dursley) The youth clubs at the Door are able to give young people support from adults that have received ‘extensive training in supporting young people’s mental health’, while not being mental health professionals. The youth clubs the Door has are ‘a safe space where young people can hang out. Even if all they need is just ‘a place to relax, use the Wi-Fi, or charge their phones.’
Whether through casual conversations, shared activities, or simply knowing there’s someone to turn to, community brings a crucial social dimension to life that fosters resilience and well-being.
Find out more about The Door’s services at thedoor.org.uk or by finding them on social media @TheDoorStroud
This article was produced by Verity Trinder, who is volunteering at The Door as part of her university studies.
Great write up Verity!