Ten tips for building community and improving mental health

We are proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) with this year’s theme of ‘community’.

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 Brighton & Hove, 1 in 5 adults are thought to be struggling with their mental health at any one time, including anxiety and depression, compared to 1 in 6 adults in England. This works out to over 46,000 adults in Brighton & Hove and could increase to over 48,400 people by 2030.

Ten tips for community involvement

The Mental Health Foundation has developed ten tips on how to get involved in your community:

1. Make it fun: Choose an activity you enjoy. You could join a club or group centred around your interests.
2. Get outdoors:  Get out and moving in nature for more mental health benefits.
3. Find like-minded people: Build connections with people who share your interests and values.
4. Show kindness to others: Connect with your community through small acts of kindness, which will benefit both you and others.
5. Show your appreciation: Showing appreciation can strengthen your relationships.
6. Connect online:  Find others who share similar experiences or interests online. Remember, healthy online communities should make you feel safe and valued.
7. Volunteer or give to charity: Helping others is a great way to build community and give you purpose
8. Care for your local community: Increase your sense of belonging by getting involved in your local community
9. Welcome other people: Make new people joining your community feel welcome and included
10. Find peer support groups if you’re struggling: Connect with others going through similar experiences through peer support groups

Small steps can make a big difference

Councillor Jacob Allen, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation, said: "Mental Health Awareness Week is a vital reminder that our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. Taking care of our minds helps us cope better with life’s challenges and build stronger, healthier communities.

“In Brighton & Hove, we’re proud to support a range of local services that are here to help residents find the support they need. Whether it's talking to someone, getting active, or finding time to relax, small steps can make a big difference.”

Free support around mental health 

For free support around mental health and wellbeing for you or someone you know, help is available:

• e-wellbeing online resource with mental health information and services for children and young people in Sussex.
• UOK provides advice about local mental health support for adults in Brighton & Hove. Call 0808 196 1768 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm ) or email chat@uok.org.uk
• Text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 support, provided by Shout
• For same or next day support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option or call the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7).
• Adults can also visit the Staying Well service at Preston Park Wellbeing Hub, an out of hours mental health crisis support service available Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 10.30pm and weekends 3.00pm to 10.30pm
• Find out more about accessing local support for your mental health and wellbeing