Community in the workplace

The Mental Health Toolkit’s approach to training suggests that we all have 12 Emotional Needs that we need to meet in balance so that we can stay well. One of these needs is Community.

Essentially, meeting our need for Community means being a part of a group.

If we don’t feel like we are part of a group, we are at risk of social isolation which, in turn, could cause us to move into the stress end of the Mental Health Continuum.

For some people, the workplace is their community and they naturally meet this need at work. The workplace can also have community groups within the organisation, such as a green group (keeping the workplace eco-friendly) or an events committee. 

Some also find groups outside of work which enables them to have that essential work-life balance.

Getting your Community need met

If you’re looking to join a group at work, get in touch with your HR department. Your workplace may well have a variety of committees and groups available that you can be a part of.

Outside of work, you might want to think about an activity you have previously enjoyed and search for it within your local area. If there isn’t a group there already, make one!

Joining a group can be daunting, but reflecting on memories of how you enjoyed an activity can help you gain the confidence to do it.

Groups you can join with Suffolk Mind

If you’re keen to do good while meeting your need for Community, Suffolk Mind have a number of groups you can join:

GreenCare: If you’ve got a knack for gardening, Suffolk Mind’s GreenCare allotment projects might be the group for you. You can be a participant, or you could offer to volunteer your expertise.

Open Space: Open Space is a number of drop-in health and wellbeing groups across Suffolk, which are run by trained staff and supported with volunteers. There’s no need to sign-up, simply drop in to your nearest Open Space when you want to. Suffolk Mind is always looking for volunteers at the Open Space groups, so do get in touch with the team if you’d like to get involved.

Fundraising: If your workplace is looking for a charity to support, Suffolk Mind is always keen to hear from you. You can fundraise with friends or colleagues, or even speak to the Fundraising Team to see how best you can support them.