This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re focusing on the power of Taking Action. Because while raising awareness matters, real change happens when people come together to take action for each other’s mental health and wellbeing, whether that’s by supporting local projects through donations or delivering vital work in the community.
We spoke with Jamie from Stonewall Housing, one of our local community partners, about the vital work they’re doing to create safe, supportive spaces for LGBT+ people across our community – and why connection, belonging and stability matter so deeply for mental health.
What happens when a community stops waiting for change and starts taking action for each other’s mental health?
People start to feel less alone. A lot of the people who come to us within LGBT+ communities have experienced rejection, isolation or trauma and when community steps in to through peer support, shared spaces or simply being seen it can be genuinely transformative. It stops being something people carry on their own and becomes something held collectively, with real care and compassion.
“For the people we support, having somewhere safe and affirming to land is huge. That means stable housing and also community connection, routine and a sense of purpose.” – Jamie, Stonewall Housing
What actions can support your own or someone else’s mental health and wellbeing?
Honestly, it’s often the small, consistent things that matter most. Checking in on someone, listening without judgement, making space for people to just be themselves.
For the people we support, having somewhere safe and affirming to land is huge. That means stable housing and also community connection, routine and a sense of purpose.
For individuals, it’s really about finding what grounds you whether that’s your community, your culture, creativity, faith or just having one person in your corner.
What role can all of us play in making Islington feel more connected, supported and hopeful?
We all have a part in building spaces where people genuinely feel they belong. That starts with recognising that people’s experiences aren’t all the same, especially for LGBT+ people, people of colour, and those facing homelessness.
Taking time to listen, pushing back on stigma, and showing up with empathy goes a long way. At a community level it’s organisations, residents, services working together so people don’t fall through the gaps and support actually feels accessible and human.
“Our work isn’t just about housing. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to move forward.” – Jamie, Stonewall Housing
Anything else you’d like to share?
At Stonewall Housing, we see every day just how tightly mental health and housing are linked. Without somewhere safe and stable to live, it’s incredibly hard for people to focus on their wellbeing. But when that foundation is there we see people grow in resilience, confidence and independence. That’s why our work isn’t just about housing. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to move forward.
Read about some of our recent awarded grants:
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