How to foster positive community in group settings

It takes more than simply bringing people together to build a sense of community and belonging within a group. Read our blog to learn about how to foster positive community within groups that supports good mental health. 

In my six years running groups with asylum seekers and refugees in Wales, I've learnt a lot about how to support individuals to grow their sense of community within their groups. I've seen firsthand how a sense of community can draw together individuals from a wide range of identities, cultures, and across languages. Positive community also helps to build a sense of belonging and purpose, which can support good mental health and wellbeing.   

Inclusivity is about making everyone feel included. This is fundamental to building positive communities within groups. Everyone in the group can participate fully, and no one feels left out.  

The group may include individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, such as having different religions, race, sexuality and gender identity. Without inclusivity, it is impossible to build a sense of community within such diverse groups. Feeling able to take part and be supported by other group members allows individuals to truly engage with a group, and produces a sense of shared community.  

To feel able to engage in community, individuals must feel that the group is a safe space where they are able to be open about their identities without any risk. To build this kind of environment, it is crucial to make it clear that intolerance is not accepted and to make it clear that all are welcome, regardless of background.  

Some groups add a pledge alongside their joining form which all members will read or sign. This could include something even as simple as “I agree to be welcoming to everyone in the group and I am aware that intolerance is not accepted here”. The purpose of this is to not only warn against intolerance, but allows those with marginalised identities to feel protected, and therefore safe to be open within the group. Groups might begin sessions by reminding of this pledge or their ground rules, particularly if there are discussions planned on relevant topics.  

Peer support is a powerful tool to create community through groups. Peer support is when people who have some overlapping experiences support each other. Feeling supported through other group members can create a sense of community, as well as promoting wellbeing.  

Through our community conversations model, rather than presenting groups with a preset informational slideshow, we encourage our groups to discuss mental health topics. For example, instead of telling groups how to manage anxiety, we might start a discussion on “What tips might you suggest to a friend experiencing anxiety?”. Through questions like this, individuals are encouraged to come up with solutions that work for them, as well as practicing how they might share tips for mental health with the wider community.