Your mental health is important to us every day of the year. And this Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to share our tips and services in place to support you.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is community. Feeling connected, supported, and part of something bigger can make a huge difference to our mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a group of friends, neighbours, an online group, or a shared interest, being part of a community reminds us that we’re not alone.
What is a community?
A community is a group of people who share something in common. That could be where you live, what you believe in, what you enjoy doing, or a challenge you’re facing. Communities can be big or small. In-person or online. And at its heart, a community is about connection, belonging, and support, where people look out for one another.
Why is being part of a community good for your mental health and wellbeing?
Being surrounded by people who care about you, helps to improve your mental health. It can reduce feeling of loneliness and isolation, and provide emotional support during tough times.
Having the opportunity to be there for others, is also great for your mental health. Allowing you to feel a sense of purpose, while listening, sharing and growing.
As community connections are often be formed around hobbies or interests, they can also support you in building confidence and learning/developing skills.
Finding your community
If you feel like you haven’t found your community yet, don’t worry. University is a time to grow and develop. And it’s the perfect place to find your people. We’ve put together our top tips to help you start:
Follow your interests
If you already have a hobby you enjoy, delve into you. Joining a class or signing up to an event, means that you will get a chance to spend time with people who already have shared interests. There’s plenty of chances to do this, free of charge and right here on campus:
Start small
Finding your community doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You could start by saying hello to your neighbours. Or stopping to chat to people you see regularly. This could be near your home, in your favourite coffee shop or in class.
Reach out
Sometimes your community is already around you. Friends, family, classmates, coworkers. You never know, they could be feeling the same as you and appreciate the extra care when you reach out.
No one should feel like they have to go through life alone. Community reminds us that we’re stronger together. And that showing up, even just a little, can be the start of something big. Mental Health Awareness Week can be the motivation to make us reconnect, reach out, and build a more compassionate world. One community at a time.
Support on campus
Edge Hill’s support teams are available for you throughout your studies.
Ormskirk Campus
St James’ Campus
Remember, Edge Well 24/7 is free and available 24/7. Whether you need help with mental health, wellbeing, finances, relationships, housing, or any other practical concerns, you can reach out for immediate support from qualified professionals through phone, live chat, email, or video call. You’ll also have access to structured therapy sessions via phone or video, all completely free of charge.
April 30, 2025
