Community is so much more than just the place I live

In an era where digital connections often replace physical ones, a sense of community remains critical in shaping the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. In this blog to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025’s focus on community, we learn how some D-CYPHR Ambassadors* and Anna Freud Young Champions define community and how it nurtures their mental health and wellbeing.

Redefining community

The concept of community is often associated with groups of people with a tangible or symbolic connection – for example, location, workplace, identity or shared values. Today, communities can offer an intricate web of relationships and support be that in ‘real life’ or online.

For one young D-CYPHR Ambassador*, community is:

“A group of people brought together through something which they share in common. It can be found with either the people who live around us in a geographic location or with people we connect with through similar values and interests. You might find your community at school or work, through your faith, at a club where you enjoy a hobby, as part of a group inspiring action for positive change, an online game, or even through a love of Taylor Swift.”

Community as mental health support

We know mental health challenges among children and young people have reached concerning levels in recent years.

According to NHS Digital one in five children and young people in England has a probable mental disorder. ¹ This trend has been exacerbated by the pandemic, economic challenges and wider societal pressures. Against this concerning backdrop, community connections remain a powerful protective factor and should be the focal point for mental health interventions.

As outlined in this blog from Anna Freud CEO Professor Eamon McCrory, investing in community-based approaches to mental health is not merely a nice addition to clinical services—it represents a fundamental shift toward prevention and early intervention.

To do this we need increased investment in community-led services and an expanded definition of the mental health workforce. This would mean all those who interact with children and young people become more involved in their mental wellbeing so that no matter who a young person turns to they will find the guidance and support they need. As our young D-CYPHR Ambassador* continues:

“Community is a place where we can express ourselves and receive encouragement which helps in our daily mental health. Importantly, a community should make you feel good about yourself, feel safe, and feel empathy towards others. A community is there to help you through the hard times…Throughout Covid we saw so many examples of communities coming together to support one another, find joy, and ensure that those most in need were looked after.”

Community is the people, connections and sense of belonging

“As a young adult, community is so much more than just the place I live—it's the people, the connections, and the sense of belonging that come with it” says Kelly, an Anna Freud Young Champion.

She goes on to say that for her, community means many things: “From feeling supported by people I can turn to for advice and friendship or having parks and local cafes to hang out in, to having a voice about what happens in my local area, where everyone, no matter their background or identity feels welcomed and valued for who they are.

“Ultimately, community is about connection. It’s where I can be myself, make a difference, and feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

Digital communities

While digital spaces have expanded the concept of community, they present unique challenges and opportunities for young people's wellbeing.

According to research from the NSPCC there are significant benefits of being online for LGBTQIA+ children including the opportunity to create communities and find support from others who may be going through similar experiences.²

The use of screens has also been credited with a reduction in feelings of loneliness in some children and helping to sustain and build friendships through social media or online gaming. ³

However, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that one, in five children (19%) aged 10–15 experienced at least one type of bullying behaviour online, and out of them, around three-quarters (72%) said they experienced at least some of it at school or during school time. Screen time can also have physical impacts through sedentary lifestyle and digital eye strain.⁴

This highlights the importance of nurturing positive digital behaviours while also fostering offline community connections. As our Young Champion Kelly suggests:

“Living in a world where technology and online communication is used more often, it can sometimes leave you feeling quite isolated and detached from the real world. This is why building a community or finding one is so important.”

To help young people build digital resilience we offer training for school professionals.

Find out more

Community infrastructure

The economic pressures facing many families in England have placed additional strain on community infrastructure. Youth centres, libraries, and family support services have faced significant cuts over the past decade. Between 2010–11 and 2019–20, central government funding for councils was cut by 55% in real terms.⁵

For Kelly, looking beyond traditional clinical services is key. She would like to see a variety of investments made to boost wellbeing across communities: “I’d like to there to be more outdoor spaces – which are proven to lower stress levels and boost mood along with community hubs where people of all ages can gather, relax and learn life skills. Increased access to free or low-cost physical activity sessions and creative community spaces like art and music studios for greater creative expression would be really beneficial.”

Conclusion: Community wellbeing is a collective responsibility

As communities continue to evolve in both physical and digital spaces, we can all share responsibility for creating environments where young people feel they truly belong.

Whether through sport clubs, volunteering or simply getting to know our neighbours, each contribution strengthens the safety net that supports their wellbeing. As one community, we can build not just healthier individuals but a more connected, resilient society for generations to come.

And we would all do well to remember the words of seven-year-old D-CYPHR Ambassador*, Khadija: "Community is kindness and love.”

* D-CYPHR Ambassadors are a group of young people and parents supported by Anna Freud, who feed into and help shape the DNA, Children + Young People's Health Resource (D-CYPHR) by attending events, providing feedback and creating a range of exciting materials.

Find out more

Learn more from our CEO, Prof. Eamon McCrory about ‘The power of community’.

Find out more about our commitment to listening to and learning from the voices of children, young people, parents and carers via our participation strategy and learn about becoming a young champion

Read our 2024 manifesto, Thinking differently to learn more about how prevention and early intervention can close the gap in children and young people’s mental health.

Notes

¹ NHS Digital. (2023). Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2023.

² UK Parliament. (2024). Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing

³Ibid

⁴ Ibid

⁵ IFS. (2024).What is the outlook for English councils' funding?