Community is the Best Medicine
by Bryan Woods
“No man is an island.“ So wrote the 17th century poet and cleric, John Donne. His words emphasise the feeling of interconnection and community that most of us are a part of. Though written centuries ago, they are as relevant now as they were then.
The Mental Health Foundation have chosen ‘Community‘ as its theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 12th – 18th May.
Community gives us a sense of belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves. It also gives us a connection with other people. We can share common experiences, warmth, and empathy. After all, we are sociable beings who need to bond with others. It is vital for our mental well-being.
This was emphasised during the COVID 19 pandemic. People suddenly found themselves isolated, with their sense of identity and their connection with other people removed. Little wonder that many of us struggled with our mental health as a result of this.
A local community can also give us help and support when we are experiencing traumatic or difficult life issues. These can include bereavement, ill health, redundancy from a job, or mental illness.
A number of charities exist in our communities, to help people who are suffering from mental ill-health. They also help to improve mental well-being in our local communities.
For the past four years, I have been a Volunteer Peer Support Worker with Havant and East Hants Mind. I help to run four different Peer Support groups, including two art groups. These groups allow people to connect with each other. This social contact helps to improve the mental well-being of the participants.
I really enjoy volunteering with HEH Mind. It gives me a sense of purpose and identity. I also feel that I am giving something back to my local community. Therefore it benefits me as a volunteer, too.
Our own charity, Hammersley Homes, also plays a vital role in the community. It does this by supporting adults who live with enduring mental illness, through Outreach Services and a Telephone Support Programme.
Hammersley Homes are also providing a Wellness Activity Session this week, to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. Activities include board and sports games, as well as arts and crafts. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. For further information, email info@hammersleyhomes.org.
We live in a world that seems to be increasingly fractured and dangerous. Our local communities are therefore more important than ever. We need to cherish them both for our own generation, and for generations to come.
(The Hammersley Homes Wellness Activity Session runs from 11am – 1pm, on Thursday 15th May. The venue is West Totton Community Centre, Hazel Farm Road, Totton SO40 8WU. Information about Mental Health Awareness Week can be found at the Mental Health Foundation website. For further information about Local Minds, including Peer Support groups, go to the MIND website.)
