Be part of a community that cares
Community support can make a huge difference to our health and wellbeing. For Mental Health Awareness Week, find out what's on offer in your community.
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week campaign is themed around the importance of community to thrive.
One of the most heartbreaking side effects of mental illness can be feeling isolated or alone, which is why strong social connections are vital for all of us, whatever our age or background.
Whether it's through peer support groups like Andy's Man's Club, creative workshops at Gateshead Libraries, or simply a shared interest like walking or gardening, we have a huge amount of organisations in Gateshead to help people discover, or rediscover, their sense of belonging.
One of these support groups is The Comfrey Project in Bensham, which brings together asylum seekers to enjoy horticultural activities in their onsite greenhouses.
When we asked people who visit The Comfrey Project why they enjoy it, several heartwarming reasons were shared. These included:
- "I am encouraged to contribute my skills, which makes me feel valued and boosts my confidence."
- "I can speak about my problems knowing I am safe."
- "I felt heard from the very beginning, when they remembered my name."
Another support group which runs from Christchurch in Felling asked the same question to service users, where one shared that they had joined with their neighbours. They said: "My neighbours told me about it, and I started coming with them. The people who run the group made me feel really welcome. Everyone gets on with everyone and have so much generosity when people are struggling. They've got hearts of gold, and everyone loves my grandson, who is almost three."
These are just two examples of the amazing organisations in our area which offer health and wellbeing support to our communities, welcoming those with friends, family and neighbours, as well as those attending on their own for the first time.
Councillor Maria Hall, cabinet member for Localities, Communities and Volunteering, said: "We're so lucky to live in an area with so much on offer for our communities, from organised clubs and groups to our Warm Welcome Spaces where you can just pop in for a hot drink and a chat.
With so many people feeling the pressures of the modern world, including stress from the continued rise in living costs, supportive communities are more important than ever before.
Whether you've lived in Gateshead for generations, or you've just moved to the borough recently, I would encourage you to find out more about the organisations in your area that can help you to feel part of your community.
Together, we can build communities that truly care, which is hugely beneficial for all of our health and wellbeing and essential to thrive."
To search the organisations in your area, visit the virtual map or list on OurGateshead.
You can also find out about volunteering opportunities, benefiting from socialising while giving back to your community.
To find local mental health support, visit our directory.
Community support can make a huge difference to our health and wellbeing. For Mental Health Awareness Week, find out what's on offer in your community.
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week campaign is themed around the importance of community to thrive.
One of the most heartbreaking side effects of mental illness can be feeling isolated or alone, which is why strong social connections are vital for all of us, whatever our age or background.
Whether it's through peer support groups like Andy's Man's Club, creative workshops at Gateshead Libraries, or simply a shared interest like walking or gardening, we have a huge amount of organisations in Gateshead to help people discover, or rediscover, their sense of belonging.
One of these support groups is The Comfrey Project in Bensham, which brings together asylum seekers to enjoy horticultural activities in their onsite greenhouses.
When we asked people who visit The Comfrey Project why they enjoy it, several heartwarming reasons were shared. These included:
- "I am encouraged to contribute my skills, which makes me feel valued and boosts my confidence."
- "I can speak about my problems knowing I am safe."
- "I felt heard from the very beginning, when they remembered my name."
Another support group which runs from Christchurch in Felling asked the same question to service users, where one shared that they had joined with their neighbours. They said: "My neighbours told me about it, and I started coming with them. The people who run the group made me feel really welcome. Everyone gets on with everyone and have so much generosity when people are struggling. They've got hearts of gold, and everyone loves my grandson, who is almost three."
These are just two examples of the amazing organisations in our area which offer health and wellbeing support to our communities, welcoming those with friends, family and neighbours, as well as those attending on their own for the first time.
Councillor Maria Hall, cabinet member for Localities, Communities and Volunteering, said: "We're so lucky to live in an area with so much on offer for our communities, from organised clubs and groups to our Warm Welcome Spaces where you can just pop in for a hot drink and a chat.
With so many people feeling the pressures of the modern world, including stress from the continued rise in living costs, supportive communities are more important than ever before.
Whether you've lived in Gateshead for generations, or you've just moved to the borough recently, I would encourage you to find out more about the organisations in your area that can help you to feel part of your community.
Together, we can build communities that truly care, which is hugely beneficial for all of our health and wellbeing and essential to thrive."
To search the organisations in your area, visit the virtual map or list on OurGateshead.
You can also find out about volunteering opportunities, benefiting from socialising while giving back to your community.
To find local mental health support, visit our directory.
