This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, an important time to raise awareness, break the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘community’ – an important aspect in many young people’s lives.
As Children’s Commissioner, I often hear from children and young people about the varied ways they are supported by the communities in their lives, and the many forms these groups can take. Children tell me how the relationships in their lives support them, enable them to support others and shape their experiences.
I have asked some of my new Young Ambassadors how being part of a supportive community helps their mental health – this is what they had to say:
Chan: “Being part of a supportive community helps me so much. It improves my mental health because it makes me feel that I belong. As an adopted young person, a supportive community feels like an extended family and gives me unconditional and emotional support I need. The relationships and the connections I make within my community make me who I am, and they help me to be the best I can be by bringing out the best in me.”
Annabel: “I feel the power of my supportive community as an amputee footballer playing in a team with others like me. My teammates get what I go through. Their encouragement fuels my confidence, helping me tackle tough days with resilience. Celebrating our victories on the field makes me feel proud and valued, giving me a safe space to handle the emotional ups and downs of living with limb loss.”
Rosanna: “For me, being part of a safe, understanding and relatable community is pivotal to my mental health. We have fun time together filled with laughter, but we also are not afraid of sticking up for each other, supporting each other and making sure that no one is left behind. It is that support that has gotten me through my darkest times but also made me feel valued and loved when I have achieved something new or when I have something positive to share. I am grateful for the positive and supportive community I have.”
Naemi: “Being a part of a community is undoubtedly one of the biggest ways I can not only maintain but continue to work on my mental health. Communities provide space for discussion, development and at times, distraction from what may be weighing me down. Through the people in my community, I can learn better mental health habits and find comfort in the fact that I too can help support other people.”
Anthony: “Being a part of a supportive community is great for mental health. Personally, it constantly reminds me that I am not alone, and that the people around me will always be on hand to help if I have any kind of problem. Even if I am feeling fine, my supportive community allows me to talk to people with similar interests and hobbies which always makes me feel better about myself.”
Ariana: “Personally, I feel that being a part of a community not only helps me become aware of myself, but those around me. Being a part of a bigger community has allowed me to grow, as coming from a smaller one, my eyes have been opened to an understanding that not everyone thinks and behaves the same. This has made me more open minded and eager to get to know people and try new things, while noticing all the things that make us all unique.”
Gabriela: “I think that being a part of a community makes a huge difference to mental health. Being an Ambassador has given me an amazing community. When I speak with the other Ambassadors it reminds me, I’m not alone and there are people who want to support me. It’s nice to know there are people who will genuinely listen to you and check in with you. Being part of a community has helped me to feel empowered to speak up about my mental health.”
Lucas: “Being part of a supportive community reminds me that I’m not alone in my struggles. I am part of great volunteering schemes which have an inclusive ethos which allows everyone to feel safe, valued and heard. That sense of belonging helped my mental health by showing me that I’m accepted just as I am.”
