Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 took place 12-18 May.
The Mental Health Foundation launched Mental Health Awareness Week to bring the UK together to focus on getting good mental health.
The 2025 week focused on the power and importance of community.
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
Learn more about the role that communities can play in improving our health and wellbeing.
Celebrating Mental Health Swims at the Houses of Parliament
On the Monday of Mental Health Awareness Week, I attended Mental Health Swims‘ celebration event at the Houses of Parliament.
Mental Health Swims organise swim meets across the country for people who are struggling with mental health challenges. These welcoming and inclusive events help drive change and empower people to talk about their mental health.
It was a humbling yet motivating way to start Mental Health Week, as the event highlighted the incredible impact this charity has had on people’s lives since it was founded in 2020.
Community Impact
CEO Rachel Ashe MBE spoke about how the charity has reached over 30,000 people. All have, in some way, suffered from mental health issues. And all have benefited from participating in swimming activities and in meeting with like-minded people.
We also heard from Hayley Jarvis from Mind. She emphasised the positive contribution that sport and physical activity can have on our mental wellbeing.
Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi spoke about the innovative collaboration between GP practices in Leamington Spa and Mental Health Swims. He explained how this partnership has provided an alternative option for some patients, offering them a unique and effective way to support their mental health.
Representatives from Swim England and Torsten Bell MP also commended the charity’s work. Their support and recognition further highlighted the importance of such initiatives in local communities.
Stories From Lived Experience
The event concluded with a showing of a new film where participants shared their personal stories. They spoke about their difficult times and how Mental Health Swims had positively impacted their lives.
You can watch this video below:
Attending this event was a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, and the incredible work being done across the country by organisations like Mental Health Swims.
It was also nice to meet Sarah Groves, the Mental Health Swims safeguarding lead, with whom I’ve been working:
Find a Mental Health Swims Event Near You!
Want to see for yourself how swimming with likeminded people can make a difference to your mental health?
Take a look at Mental Health Swim’s Swim Map to find swim meets in your area.