Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: It’s All About Community

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th to 18th May, and with a focus on the power of communities, it is perfect for me to return to this little space on the Internet and to try and find my stationery community once more.

Having a community around you that supports you can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. During COVID, one thing that had a huge impact on my mental health and kept me going was having an online community that I could stay in touch with from the comfort of my own home, so I did not feel trapped indoors. Staying connected with friends and family is vital. I have heard this a lot since I got pregnant, but “it takes a village to raise a child”, and those who have that supportive group are often much happier than those without. Our local communities are just as. important, offering you a space to go outside and socialise. 

With a theme like ‘Community’, what better way for me to launch the Stationery Selfcare Project that encourages you to practice selfcare whilst also finding a community of likeminded individuals. It is also possible to do a little selfcare whilst also doing something nice for others, helping to build the community. 

Ways to help the community:

There are many different ways to help the community. One is showing them some kindness. This can help improve your own mental health as well as helping you to connect with others.

1. Leave random notes of kindness around your local community – on a bus, in the library, in a local cafe, anywhere! Maybe avoid somewhere the wind or rain could ruin it though.
2. Create a handmade card to send to a child through Post Pals. If they have siblings, be sure to send something for their siblings too, as that’s always appreciated!
3. Write a letter and send it to someone in need through From Me To You, or More Love Letters.
4. Host a crafternoon for your friends or neighbours – it could even be virtual if your community isn’t local!
5. Attend a local arts and crafts event, get to know people – you could even make something for them!
6. Make a gift for someone! This could be a friend but you could also donate things, like knitted hats, to a hospital!
7. Reach out to a loved one who may be a little lonely or going through something.
8. Look at local organisations or events. There are always things around the local area and sometimes, they could do with some assistance.
9. On Thursday 15th May, why not Wear It Green and support a great cause?
10. Join the #StationerySelfCare challenge as there’s always stuff in there that you could do and pass on to others.

These are just some of the ways you can connect with your community and get involved. There are so many other options that don’t require anything artsy or craftsy. Perhaps you could find a local group that shares a similar hobby or start one up, or just do something nice for your neighbours!