Mental Health and Belonging: Finding Strength in Togetherness

“You can’t start a fire without a spark.” For me, that spark was finding a place where I mattered. Our Friday group didn’t just ease my loneliness — it gave me confidence, purpose, and belonging. I now bring laughter, ideas, and warmth to others who once felt the same. In 2025, nearly 1 in 4 UK adults feel lonely. This Mental Health Awareness Week,

Community means everything — because connection saves lives.

Despite being more connected than ever, many—especially young adults—feel deeply disconnected. I noticed the shift at 16. Growing up, friendships were built on shared experiences—football, gaming, being present. But phones slowly replaced presence. Even when we were together, friends were scrolling, distracted. I suggested ways to reconnect, but the spark was gone. By 16, I felt cut off from peers I'd known since childhood. Support from Enrych and a men’s mental health group later helped me rebuild connection, though with people from vastly different age ranges. Social media sells connection, but without real interaction, many feel alone in a crowd. This must change.

To me, the roots of safety, understanding, support, and accessibility help community to grow. It's about being able to speak freely, be met with curiosity—not judgement—and share experiences without needing professional expertise unless required. Through Enrych, I’ve found this in virtual coffee mornings, gardening groups, and local meet-ups. Age hasn’t mattered; connection has come from shared values and purpose. While online spaces can start connections, they should never replace in-person interaction. After years of social distancing and economic shifts that reduced communal spaces, it’s now more vital than ever to protect real-life connection. Everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Between 2015 and 2020, I felt like a stranger to the world—isolated, disconnected, and losing my sense of purpose. That changed in 2020 when I discovered Enrych’s online coffee mornings and football prediction groups. Suddenly, I was creating quizzes, trying new things like art, and connecting over football—something I truly love. From there, I joined in-person groups, played bowls, shared music, and built friendships. I even found confidence to attend a pickleball group outside of Enrych, something I never thought possible. I started as a client needing connection, but I’m now proud to be part of the team—helping others find the same sense of belonging I once needed. These communities helped me believe I am worthy of friendship, even as someone with complexities. I’m proud to be a recognisable face, passionate about growing inclusive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and

supported—just as I was.

Joining a community can feel daunting, especially for those facing anxiety, past trauma, or accessibility barriers. As a neurodivergent person, I’ve often felt one step forward is followed by two steps back. But taking small steps can lead to belonging. I have now branched out and run a welcoming Friday group at Springfields Supported Living from 10–12. If you're nervous, try attending with a friend or just dropping by for a taster session — connection doesn’t need to start with a commitment.