mental health awareness week 2025; what's on offer in your community

For Mental Health Awareness Week this week, we want to share the ways in which you can get involved in your local community.

Mental Health Awareness Week, is from 12th to 18th May 2025 this year and offers a great opportunity to spotlight mental health issues and the amazing power of community support. In Worthing and West and East Sussex, there are lots of events taking place that will help us all connect!

Here are some ideas in Worthing and surrounding areas – just click on the links to find out more!

• Local libraries run craft classes, drop-in and chat events, and other groups. Google your town’s local library to find out what’s on offer.

  https://arena.westsussex.gov.uk - West Sussex libraries

  https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries - East Sussex libraries

• https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/libraries - Brighton libraries

  
  

• Parkrun is a free event run by volunteers, it’s a 5km route you can run or walk and they take place in many towns and cities across the UK. If you don't like to run you can volunteer to support the event taking place. Find your nearest one here and register to attend: www.parkrun.org.uk

  

• Lots of towns and cities have community centres that run various activities and events you can get involved in, some of which are free. Google the name of your town and community centre to find your local one. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/events-activities-and-venues/venues-and-locations/village-halls-and-community-centres/ - find a West Sussex community centre

  https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/community-centres - find community centre in Lewes and Eastbourne

  https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/cost-living-support/warm-welcome-indoor-activities-and-warm-places-go-winter/old-boat-corner-community-centre - community centre in Brighton

  
  

• Eventbrite is a website where you can find local community events and groups

  
  

• Walk and Talk with Worthing Pathfinder team. Join those going on a guided walk promoting mental well-being. A have nice chat with someone as you walk side by side taking the world in! SussexWorld

• Online community groups - Facebook has many groups that share news and events that are taking place in your local area. Search your town name in the groups search and join the groups that will share about things going on locally. Stay mindful about the group's posts and if you find they are overly negative or unhelpful, then leave the group. There are plenty to choose from with some very well managed and intentionally positive groups available.

  
  

• Caribbean Party – Fashion and Culture in Worthing! Jul 6, 2025

  Celebrate Caribbean culture with food, dance, fashion and more in Worthing this July. Offington Park Methodist Church, South Farm Road, Broadwater, Worthing, BN14 7TN

• Worthing Film Club – showing The End – for 12 years plus

  At Worthing Connaught Theatre on: Monday 19th May at 8.15pm

  https://timeforworthing.uk/events

  
  

• Volunteering - Engaging in a volunteering role can be a really rewarding….also helping others, can help your wellbeing.

  

  If you fancy volunteering for a local charity shop, Worthing Mencap are looking for some lovely people that can offer some time. Please contact : 01903 200599

  
  

  Guild Care are also looking for volunteers to help them. Please contact : 01903 600602.

  British Heart Foundation are also looking for volunteers – here is a link that will take you to their opportunities at your local shops : https://bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer/volunteer-in-our-shops

So, let’s get out and about and help ourselves and each other feel a sense of community and belonging, which is so crucial for our wellbeing.