Mental Health Awareness Week
12th-18th May 2025
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “the power in community”. Before we look into the power in community, what is mental health?
What is Mental Health?
We all have mental health as well as physical health. Our mental health encompasses our emotions, thoughts and feelings which are crucial in navigating life’s ups and downs. It affects our daily functioning and our ability to perform tasks, work, study and participate in daily activities. Our mental health also affects our relationships, social interactions and connection with others.
Neglecting our mental health can have serious consequences for our physical and emotional well being as well as impacting our relationships and daily life.
Mental Health Facts & Figures
- 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.
- 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
- Around 1 in 3 adults with a common mental health problem are currently getting treatment in the form of talking therapies, medication or both.
- People reporting self-harm went up by 62% between the years 2000–2014 (that means it more than doubled).
- People reporting having had suicidal thoughts within the past year went up by 30% between the years 2000–2014.
- LGBTQIA+ people are between 2–3 times more likely than heterosexual people to report having a mental health problem in England.
- 23% of Black or Black British people will experience a common mental health problem in any given week. This compares to 17% of White British people.
- Over a quarter (26%) of young women aged between 16–24 years old report having a common mental health problem in any given week. This compares to 17% of adults. And this number has been going up.
Your identity does not give you mental health problems and causes of mental health problems can be very complicated. Higher risk for these groups is linked to several factors, including:
facing social inequality and disadvantage
facing discrimination and social exclusion
going through traumatic experiences
differences in physical health
How can I get involved with my community?
Mental Health Foundation have shared some helpful information on why community is so important and how you can get involved.
- Make it fun – choose an activity you enjoy – you could join a club
- Get outdoors – get out and moving in nature
- Find like-minded people – Build connections with people who share similar interests
- Show kindness to others – Connect with our community through small acts of kindness
- Show your appreciation – sharing a compliment or showing appreciation can strengthen relationships
- Connect online – Find others who share similar experiences or interests inline. Healthy online communities should make you feel safe and valued
- Give back – Helping others is a great way to build community and give you purpose
- Care for your local community – Increase your sense of belonging by getting involved in your local community
- Welcome others – Make new people joining your community feel welcome and included
- Find peer support if you’re struggling – connect with others going through similar experiences through peer support groups
How can I find out about communities in Leeds?
Peer support brings people together with similar experiences so they can help and support each other. There are so many great groups in Leeds and something for everyone. An excellent resource is MindWell. They have an extensive list of groups that are both local to Leeds and nationally available. From bereavement groups to LGBTQIA+ groups to creative groups and groups for people with disabilities, they have lots of information.
Feel Better Leeds also has some great local services and resources.
Social media can also be a good place to find support groups. With the likes of Andy’s Man Club and We Got You Boo gaining popularity and reaching a wider audience through Facebook and Instagram.
The Power in Community
It’s important to remember that there is strength and support in the power of community. By engaging in meaningful connections, showing kindness, and supporting one another, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included.
For urgent help, please find more information here.
Additional Sources
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