A profile of Activate Mental Health for Support Group Awareness Week
Today marks the start of Support Group Awareness Week. Peer support is one of the most powerful ways to improve mental well-being. It reminds us of our shared experiences and the importance of coming together to support one another through life’s challenges.
The team at Alike WA asked us a few questions to get to know us better. This is the summary of the responses we gave them.
Our Purpose
At Activate Mental Health, we believe that "It's more fun together." We create safe, welcoming spaces where people can build friendships, reduce social isolation and develop a sense of belonging. While mental well-being brings many people to our community, social connection is at the heart of what we do.
We're based on the social platform Meetup. Our team of Activator's deliver approximately 400 events per year to help our 9,000+ members.
Nobody Has to Be Alone
One of our core messages is that nobody has to experience social isolation alone. There is a community for everyone. If someone cannot find a community that matches their interests, they can create one. Through volunteering, members can build communities around the activities and causes they are passionate about.
Connection Before Conversation
Many people are surprised that our activities focus more on social connection than discussing mental health challenges. Walking groups, coffee catch-ups, board game nights, book clubs and other activities provide a chance to take a break from daily struggles and simply enjoy spending time with others. As one member shared,
"The variety of activities on offer takes the pressure off the social aspect and is fun, taking my mind off worries and stresses. I now count many members as my friends."
Another member reflected,
"Every time I go to an Activate event I walk away happier and more energetic. It's a great way to meet like-minded individuals in a safe and relaxed environment."
For many people, the greatest benefit is simply feeling connected:
"I have met my people through Activate. I feel connected and have developed a friendship base through this community."
The Power of Shared Experience
Peer support is valuable because it creates common ground. Whether people share a lived experience, challenge, interest or life stage, those similarities help reduce stigma and remind people that they are not alone. Feeling understood and accepted can be incredibly powerful.
Friendships Are the Outcome
Our events are important, but the real impact happens when connections continue beyond our activities. We regularly see members form genuine friendships, catch up independently and support one another through life's challenges. These lasting relationships strengthen well-being and create ongoing support networks.
Read this blog post about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and How It Relates to Activate Mental Health.
Shared Strength in Action
This years theme for Support Group Awareness Week, "Different Stories. Shared Strength." reflects what we see every day. Our members come from diverse backgrounds with different life experiences, yet they discover common ground and support one another. Together, they achieve more than they could alone.
Volunteers Make It Possible
Our volunteers create hundreds of opportunities for social connection every year. They do more than host activities. They create welcoming environments where people feel seen, included and valued. Volunteers are often building friendships and community for themselves at the same time.
These are some of our blog posts that promote our volunteers
Our Vision for the Future
We would love to see Activate Mental Health supported by a paid Volunteer Manager who could better support existing volunteers, recruit new volunteers and help expand our reach across the Perth metropolitan area. Our model is both economical and highly impactful, filling an important gap between formal services and community connection.
Here are some sponsorship profiles on our blog.
Activate Mental Health In One Sentence
Activate Mental Health demonstrates that when people come together around shared experiences and interests, meaningful friendships can form, isolation can be reduced, and community can become a powerful source of belonging, well-being and shared strength.
Here's how else you can support Activate Mental Health
