Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Celebrating the Power of Community

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), organised by The Mental Health Foundation, returns this May with an impactful theme for 2025 — The Power of Community. Running from 12th to 18th May, this national campaign aims to spark conversations, encourage education, and inspire action to improve mental health across the UK.

This year's theme emphasises the vital role that safe, supportive communities play in fostering mental wellbeing. From neighbourhood groups and school clubs to online networks and sports teams, being part of a positive community helps people feel connected, supported, and understood — all of which are key to protecting our mental health. Strong community connections remind us we are not alone. They offer a sense of purpose and belonging, which are essential for thriving mentally and emotionally.However, not all communities offer these benefits. The campaign also shines a light on the risks of harmful or toxic environments, particularly in online spaces.

To help individuals assess the communities they’re part of, the Mental Health Foundation encourages people to ask themselves:

• Do I feel safe here?
• Am I treated with respect and held accountable alongside others?
• Does this space align with my values?
• Does it uplift or drain me?
• Does it promote kindness — or foster hate and exclusion?

We know what a vital role sport and physical activity can play in building strong, inclusive communities. They create shared experiences that bridge social divides, foster relationships, and instil a sense of belonging. Whether through local teams, fitness events, or recreational leagues, these activities encourage cooperation, mutual support, and community pride – making them essential tools for social connection and cohesion.

To maximise this impact, it’s crucial that those involved in organising and leading sport and physical activity actively apply principles that foster inclusion, safety, and wellbeing. This MHAW is a is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the environment you create within your sport or physical activity setting.

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) are stepping up to promote this campaign in the following ways:

• Promoting the opportunity to Volunteer at the new Mental Health Swim in Broxbourne.
• Highlighting our mental health resource pages for children & young people’s wellbeing as well as looking after your own mental health.
• Running a mental health themed Learn & Share event for HAPpy Providers, that will include Spot, Support, Signpost training -delivered by Mind.
• Wearing green on Wear It Green Day to raise awareness.

HSP also want to raise the profile of Hertfordshire sport and physical activity. To join the movement, we encourage you to share stories and photos of your communities using the hashtags #ThisIsMyCommunity and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. Also be sure to tag us and follow along the campaign using @sportinherts on socials. As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, let’s reflect on the spaces we share and commit to building communities that help everyone feel seen, safe, and supported!