Mental Health Awareness Week: The Power of Community
79% of people coming into East Road tell us they are struggling with mental ill health.
At Jimmy’s, we provide mental health support either directly or through trusted partners. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re reflecting on the powerful role community plays in supporting mental health—especially for those experiencing homelessness.
At Jimmy’s, Community Is a Lifeline
Community at Jimmy’s is more than just a concept—it’s a lifeline. Many of the individuals who arrive at our door have faced significant trauma, social exclusion, and enduring mental health challenges. But with care grounded in empathy, trust, and connection, recovery becomes possible.
The Mental Health and Homelessness Connection
Mental ill health and homelessness are closely intertwined. For many, mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and depression can lead to housing instability. For others, the experience of homelessness itself—marked by isolation, insecurity, and fear—only deepens those struggles.
As one former resident shared:
“Coming into Jimmy’s as a 43-year-old, I felt anxiety on a few levels. Not only the mental ill health of dealing with my situation, but the anxiety of dealing with the loss of a life I had previously… There were days where getting out of bed was a difficult task… it was a darkness that covered my eyes.”
A Trauma-Informed, Community-Led Approach
To meet these complex needs, Jimmy’s takes a trauma-informed approach to care. This means recognising past trauma and creating support through safety, respect, and collaboration. It’s about understanding where people are coming from—and walking with them at their pace.
This approach helped individuals like Malcolm. After multiple arrests and deep personal losses, he arrived at Jimmy’s carrying immense anxiety and mistrust. With time and unwavering support from our staff, he began to open up, engage, and eventually accept his own tenancy. His journey shows what’s possible when care is consistent, compassionate, and grounded in understanding.
The more we encourage people to open up, the more we are able to give them the help they need.
A Shared Responsibility
At the heart of Jimmy’s is a belief that no one heals alone. Recovery and wellbeing are made possible by the whole community—volunteers, donors, staff, and residents—working together to create a place where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
A Promise We Keep
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are reminded that community is not just a place. It’s a promise:
- A promise to show up.
- To listen.
- And to never give up on those who need us most.
Will you help those experiencing homelessness this Mental Health Awareness Week?