Mental Health Awareness and the Power of Community
On 14 May 2025, Anah Project proudly took part in a meaningful Mental Health Awareness event hosted by the Inspired Neighbourhoods Team at The Thornbury Centre in Bradford. Held as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the event brought together various community organisations, charities, and services under one roof, offering a safe space for open conversation, connection, and learning around mental health and wellbeing.
The event was themed as a ‘Community Check-In’—and it truly lived up to its name. Anah Project’s team was on hand to host a stall, welcoming attendees and engaging them in conversations about the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and domestic abuse. The atmosphere was warm and collaborative, with a steady flow of visitors ranging from frontline professionals and local service users to concerned members of the public.
As an organisation rooted in community support and culturally sensitive care, it was deeply encouraging for us to witness such a strong turn-out and interest in the topics we hold close. We were humbled by those who approached us to share their personal experiences—stories of survival, resilience, and the psychological scars that often linger long after physical safety has been restored.
These conversations were more than just interactions; they were moments of trust, vulnerability, and connection. They reaffirmed why events like this are so important—not only for service providers to network and explore future collaboration but for survivors and at-risk individuals to see and feel that they are not alone.
Understanding Mental Health in Today’s World
The conversations we had at the event also reminded us of a broader, pressing reality: mental health is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. In our fast-moving, digitally driven, and often isolating world, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are becoming increasingly common. According to Mind UK, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in England, with many more impacted indirectly through family, friendships, and work.
But when we examine mental health in the context of domestic abuse, the landscape becomes even more complex. Survivors of domestic abuse often experience lasting psychological trauma including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Chronic anxiety and depression
- Sleep disorders and panic attacks
- Low self-worth and suicidal thoughts
For many survivors, the abuse does not end when the relationship does. Emotional wounds can remain for years, often made worse by isolation, stigma, and lack of culturally sensitive mental health services.
At Anah Project, we recognise this reality daily. Many of the women and girls who come to us have endured so-called honour-based abuse, forced marriage, FGM, and other gendered forms of violence. These experiences deeply affect their sense of identity, safety, and self. And yet, many find it difficult to seek help—often due to cultural pressures, language barriers, or fear of being judged.
Why Mental Health Support Matters in Domestic Abuse Recovery
Supporting a survivor means more than offering physical refuge. It means addressing the emotional and psychological toll that abuse leaves behind. At Anah Project, our services go beyond crisis intervention. We offer:
- Trauma-informed support
- Mental health signposting and counselling
- Culturally competent advocacy
- Workshops to rebuild confidence and self-esteem
Through partnerships and community events like the ‘Community Check-In,’ we aim to spread awareness about these resources and advocate for a mental health approach that includes everyone, especially those often excluded from mainstream services.
Building a Stronger Future—Together
The Mental Health Awareness event at The Thornbury Centre was a strong reminder of what we can achieve when communities come together. We thank the Inspired Neighbourhoods Team for organising such an impactful initiative and for giving us the opportunity to share our work and listen to the voices of those we serve.
At Anah Project, we remain committed to creating safe spaces, informed conversations, and tailored support systems for women and girls affected by abuse. We believe that breaking the silence around both domestic abuse and mental health is a shared responsibility—and events like this show that change is not only possible but already underway.
If you or someone you know needs support, please remember: you are not alone. We are here—and we will listen.
