Radical Care and Collective Change: Reflecting on World Mental Health Day

This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to receive support and having the tools to protect their mental health in times of global crisis and instability.  

At People United, the concept of radical care is a thread that runs through our creative projects, partnerships, and everyday conversations. Yet, in our ongoing work with community organisations and residents in Herne Bay, a vital question often arises: 

How can we advocate for meaningful change while also caring for ourselves? 

One answer lies in the relationships we build. We believe that deep, intentional, and lasting connections within communities are key to both personal wellbeing and collective transformation. 

A powerful tool that has supported our thinking is the Social Change Ecosystem Framework, developed by Deepa Iyer. This model offers a way to understand the different roles we all play whether as storytellers, weavers, builders, caregivers, or disruptors—within movements for justice and equity. It helps us recognise our strengths, stay aligned with our values, and work together more sustainably. 

How does community focused care work? 

There is plenty of research to support the benefits of working in a community.  

One Herne Bay organisation in particular putting this into practice is Happy Here, a service using social prescribing, community projects and creativity to challenge the more traditional models of mental health support.  

Community focused care through creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose not only strengthens mental health, but it also builds resilience, belonging, and hope. 

So today, we honour the courage it takes to care for ourselves, for one another, for communities, and for a fairer world.