At The Focus Group, Mental Health Awareness Week is more than a date in the calendar — it’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the strength we find in connection. This year’s theme, Community, couldn’t be more fitting. Whether it’s through sport, food, shared passions or the simple act of being together, we know that belonging to something bigger than ourselves has the power to transform our mental wellbeing.
Community: An Anchor for Mental Health
Mental health thrives in connection. Studies show that people with strong social relationships are more resilient to stress, less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and tend to enjoy better physical health too. Community, in its many forms, provides a sense of belonging — reminding us we are not alone.
But community doesn’t have to be large or loud. It can be as simple as a shared meal, a wave across an allotment, or a cycle with a few friends on a quiet country road.
“The Legends in Lycra” — Finding Solace on Two Wheels
One of our team members shared their experience of joining the cycling community:
“Community means different things to different people; for me, it allows me to find support, comfort, solace — and the opportunity to offload. Being on the bike has encouraged me to get active, build relationships and meet up with friends… It offers a form of mindfulness that I’m unlikely to pursue elsewhere.”
What began as a hobby has become a source of connection, growth and even international adventure — from Hull’s back roads to the mountain climbs of Mallorca. The shared encouragement, friendly competition and space for reflection all speak to the quiet strength of this supportive community.
Supper Club — Sharing Food, Building Belonging
Another community that’s flourished at Focus is our monthly Supper Club — a chance for colleagues to connect over food and explore Hull’s culinary gems.
“It started quite small,” says Sam, “just a few of us wanting to see more of what Hull had to offer… and our lovely community of food lovers has grown each month!”
Sarah shared how these evenings create space for connection beyond the workday:
“It’s nice to spend time together outside of the office. It’s an opportunity to talk about things that aren’t work-related and sample the culinary delights of Hull’s varied restaurant scene!”
And for newer team members like Tania, it’s a welcome way to feel part of something bigger:
“Getting to know colleagues over supper really helped me feel part of the wider community. I look forward to more evenings out and hopefully meeting more of you soon.”
Growing Together — Deb’s Allotment Community
For Deb, community takes root — quite literally — in her local allotment group:
“I have space to breathe and a real sense of achievement when I’m tucking into my homegrown produce… But one of the most unexpected benefits comes from the group itself — the chats, the cuppas, the swapping of veg, and yes, always cake!”
In the calm of the allotment, mental health support grows alongside the courgettes. It’s a gentle reminder that community often finds us in the most natural of settings.
Community: Big or Small, It Matters
As we reflect on this year’s theme, one thing is clear: community isn’t about numbers — it’s about meaningful connection. Whether it’s pedalling up a mountain, sharing a table, or swapping carrots for cake, the communities we build and nurture support our wellbeing in powerful, lasting ways.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we celebrate all the small (and big) ways our team finds community — and the positive impact that has not just on mental health, but on life.
From all of us at The Focus Group — thank you for being part of our community.
