The Importance of Community

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week our Solidarity in a Crisis Peer Support Workers talk about their own experiences of community and the role it played in providing them with emotional support.

• "When I was going through a difficult time, I wanted to start getting out, I wanted something to do (I had not been going out for two years) I mentioned it to my ESA advisor and she suggested I try a purpose-built mental health facility that was run by support workers and peer support workers, its non-medical. I went along and was pleasantly surprised. I started volunteering there, I enjoyed it, they had so many different activities, something for everyone. Being part of it gave me confidence and encouraged me to get back into work."
  
  
• "At my most lost, it was community - especially platonic connections and spaces rooted in empathy - that reminded me of my worth. Whether through shared laughter, being gently challenged by peers, or simply being invited to try something new (like acting classes!) - community has given me both belonging and a mirror to keep growing."
  
  
• "In my own experience, having a supportive community has provided me with a safe space to express my emotions, in whatever way that may look like. Being able to connect with others who have faced similar struggles has been invaluable, as it reminds me that I’m not alone. Whether it’s through peer support groups or just casual check-ins with friends and family who understand, my community has helped me feel understood, uplifted, and motivated to keep moving forward."
  
  
• "Community has offered me consistent spaces where I felt heard and accepted outside my home. Every other Sunday I attend a Zen Yoga event within the community in Camberwell and there's always tea afterwards with time to talk. I always leave this event feeling calm, happy and grounded."

Thank you to Peer Support Workers Sacha, Julie, Alex, Patrycja and Velma for sharing their experiences.

You can find more useful tips from them this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek across our social channels.

To find out more about the teams work visit https://certitude.london/what-we-do/solidarity-in-a-crisis