This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) theme, "Community is... what we create together," resonates deeply with us at Celebrity Speakers. Community is the foundation of mental well-being, providing a sense of belonging, shared purpose, and mutual support.

We believe gathering together as a community at events has never been more important. These moments of coming together provide opportunities for connection, inspiration and learning.

We reached out to some of our inspiring speakers to gather their thoughts on this year's MHAW theme and the significance of community in their personal and professional lives. Here's what they had to say:

DAVID DOWNS

What is community to you?

Community to me is the group of people that you have around you that support you, that cheer you on, that look after you and in return you look after them - a symbiotic relationship!

Can you share a personal story about a time when community support played a crucial role in your life?

I remember years ago I had terminal cancer and I used to envisage this community of people that were around me as kind of like cheerleaders. I had the idea that when I got through my treatment I would gather them all together and we would do something stupid - like all play air guitar... and we did! I got them all together and it was an amazing, energising experience, celebrating the fact that a community had helped me and my family at such a critical time and it's something that I enjoy giving back to as well.

In your opinion share how communities can foster mental wellbeing, especially in challenging times?

I think friends are an important part of you know building our mental health particularly we as men, we sometimes are a bit too stuck, a bit too by ourselves. One of my groups of friends we get together for what we officially call a “board meeting,” very grown up thing to do. But actually what we do is get together and play board games - we all sort of play hockey from work for a couple of hours, we play board games at a café. It's a great way to kind of just share some time together talk about something and not in an environment when you're drinking or anything like that. It's just more kind of being together. Solidarity in my experience, being a community and being part of a community helps build your personal resilience but also your connection back to your purpose.

How can leaders contribute to building a more connected and resilient community?

Communities are something that we not only benefit from but contribute to - fulfils that kind of sense of purpose. Leaders can help build that sense of community by demonstrating giving back, demonstrating being part of a community themselves. This mental health week is a time where we can reflect on not only what we receive but what we give.

DAVE LETELE

Can you share a personal story about a time when community support played a crucial role in your life?

When I started my journey, this latest rebuild of my life back in 2014 and touch wood I never have to rebuild again - But I was very lucky to have some good friends, good family, and a good community wrapped around me. I think of these friends like PJ from habitat for Fitness, Alex Flint from Body Talk, EV Ting from Oakland MMA, they really invested in me and if it wasn't for the community that was wrapped around me, helping to give me a hand up, I don't know where I'd be. That's one of the reasons why we give back the way that we do in BBM.

In your experience, what are the key elements that make a strong, supportive community?

It's really important we understand that greatness comes from struggle and if we're trying to build this more resilient community, it's about understanding that the only way you can build resilience, is by actually going through and getting through some tough times. So never be afraid of it, don't be scared to fail, if I didn't fail I wouldn't be here. That's the message that we need to get out into our communities. More and more people need to hear that it's okay. It's okay to be vulnerable, it's okay to be down, it's okay to need help and it's okay to ask for help. Just make sure when we ask that we accept the help too.

How can individuals contribute to building a more connected and resilient community?

Pay it forward, mental health awareness week is not just one week out of the year, it's every single day of the year. It's something that we need to be aware of every single day.

Don't ever just leave it at once, ask again, ask again, ask again. Because we never know what's going on behind the smile. Don't be scared of tough times, keep pushing through, keep getting up, ask for help and be willing to accept it and never ever give up!

JEHAN CASINADER

What is community to you?
Community is where we find strength in difficult times.

Can you share a personal story about a time when community support played a crucial role in your life?
When I was suicidal, I sent an email to a small group of mates. I was honest about the space I was in, and I asked for their help. I knew I needed a tight group of people around me – people who could check in on me, encourage me, and help me to get into a better space. I'll always be grateful to those who showed up. Without their support, I wouldn't be here today.

In your opinion share how communities can foster mental wellbeing, especially in challenging times.
Loneliness has become a global epidemic. Is that any surprise? We spend so much time hiding behind screens – and then wonder why we're craving human connection! When we take time to build real-life relationships, we feel seen and heard. We feel less isolated. And we find new ways to contribute to other people's lives – even when our own lives aren't perfect. Being connected to others can have a huge impact on your mental health.

In your experience, what are the key elements that make a strong, supportive community?
The most important thing is to be open-minded. When we spend time with people who are exactly like us, we don't grow very much. When we seek out people who are different, that's often where the magic happens. Yep, there will be a few awkward moments... Yep, you may feel uncomfortable at times... And yep, you'll have to sacrifice some of your time, energy and resources. But some of the relationships I value the most, are with people I never imagined I'd become friends with.

How can individuals contribute to building a more connected and resilient community?
Take responsibility for the role you play in other people's stories. You may not just be an "extra" – you could be the Best Supporting Actor! Ask yourself: when was the last time I had someone new around my dinner table? When was the last time I asked someone out for a coffee – someone I didn't know very well? Who's the newest person in our office, and how can I make them feel valued? When we pay attention to the people around us, we discover that we're surrounded by opportunities to build community. Every conversation makes a difference!

RAJNA BOGDANOVIC

What is community to you?

Community is a robust foundation where individuals forge deep connections, offering unwavering support and strength. It's a shared space of resilience and camaraderie, where each person is valued, empowered, and celebrated for their unique contributions.

How does a sense of community impact an individual's mental health and overall wellbeing, especially in challenging times:

Research shows that strong community ties can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance coping mechanisms, more so in difficult times. Communities create a sense of belonging and collective identity. This helps build a supportive network where people can share their experiences, receive emotional support, and develop coping skills together. These bonds contribute significantly to enhancing mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation and increasing resilience.

What are some common psychological barriers that prevent individuals from seeking or engaging with their communities?

Despite the acknowledged advantages of seeking or participating in communities, typical psychological barriers include social anxiety, apprehension of criticism or exclusion, low self-esteem, and internalised stigma related to seeking assistance (such as feeling ashamed or recalling past negative social encounters). Furthermore, individuals who already feel disconnected from others may hesitate to engage due to a sense of not belonging.

What are the psychological effects of social isolation, and how can communities help mitigate these effects?

Social isolation can have profound psychological effects, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. It can also lead to feelings of loneliness, which is associated with poorer physical health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Communities play a crucial role in mitigating these effects by providing social support and promoting meaningful social interactions. Research suggests that strong social networks and community involvement are linked to better mental health outcomes, reduced loneliness, and improved overall wellbeing. By offering opportunities for social engagement, emotional support, and collective activities, communities can effectively counteract the negative psychological impacts of social isolation.

In your opinion, what are the key elements that make a strong, supportive community?

In my opinion, key elements that make a strong, supportive community include:

• Social Connections and Networks - Communities thrive on meaningful social interactions and relationships that foster a sense of belonging and emotional support.
• Inclusivity and Diversity - A supportive community values diversity and inclusivity, respecting and embracing different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Accessible Resources and Services - Access to essential resources, services, and opportunities ensures equitable support and enhances the wellbeing of community members

How can individuals or leaders contribute to building a more connected and resilient community?

Research shows that individuals and leaders can enhance community resilience and connectivity through several effective strategies:

• Addressing Community Needs - Identify and address challenges and issues collaboratively through community-led initiatives, ensuring responsive and sustainable solutions. Also, facilitating networking opportunities among community members, organisations, and businesses to strengthen social capital and expand resources available to the community.
• Facilitating Inclusive Practices - Embracing diversity and creating inclusive spaces where all members feel valued and respected enhances community cohesion. Organising cultural events, festivals, and activities that celebrate the diverse backgrounds and traditions within the community, promoting understanding and appreciation.
• Supporting Lifelong Learning - Advocate for educational opportunities and programs that enhance skills, knowledge, and personal development among community members, fostering growth and empowerment.

LAUREN PARSONS

What is community to you?
Community is being there for each other and with each other through all the ups and downs

Can you share a personal story about a time when community support played a crucial role in your life?

When our home and my home office were completely flooded by Cyclone Gabrielle it was devastating. We had less than an hour to get up on the roof with the cat and were rescued on the front of a tractor.

In the days and weeks that followed, when I felt like I was hanging on by my fingernails, surviving on 1 hours sleep a night, facing so much uncertainty - it truly was our community that made all the difference. People are just amazing aren’t they!?

• Having a hot meal dropped off at the end of another heart breaking, back breaking day of clean up.
• Someone thinking to buy us PJs and toothbrushes.
• The working bees to clear debris, water blast and start the long journey towards restoration.
• The hugs, cards, care parcels, and messages of support were amazing and really brightened what could have been some very dark days.

Now, 18 months on, as I reflect back, I’ve realised two things as a speaker on wellbeing and resilience:

• #1 the keys I’ve shared for decades – they really do work (so that’s good news right!?)
• #2 you have to apply them even when you don’t feel like

Sometimes you’ve got to make yourself take the next step to get through the next day.

In your opinion share how communities can foster mental wellbeing, especially in challenging times?

Community is key. We are stronger together! When we stand alone, we are vulnerable, but together we are unbreakable.

How can individuals contribute to building a more connected and resilient community?

This Mental Health Awareness Week (and always) look out for those around you. Here are just a few ideas on how to build a more connected community:

• Take 2 minutes each morning to send an encouraging text to a loved one.
• Grab a colleague and take them out for a 15 min walk and talk catch up – it’ll boost both your moods (and your productivity for the day!)
• Book in a monthly lunch date with that friend you’d love to see more often but it never quite happens.
• Plan 30 mins one-on-one time with your children doing something they love.
• Ask people how are you going at the moment? And really mean it. Listen with your whole body.
• Have 4 second hugs with your closest loved ones each day – this boost oxytocin our connection hormone.