With this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) highlighting the role of community, Michael Wolverson spotlights two community businesses that intentionally support people facing anxiety and depression and give them a new sense of purpose.
Mental health is something we all experience differently, that’s why it’s hard to define it in a single way. But one thing is clear: being part of a supportive community can make a huge difference. Simply knowing that someone is there, that you’re seen and heard, can be incredibly meaningful.
As I write this during Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m reminded that while this week is a great opportunity to reflect, mental health is something we should care for all year round. The Mental Health Foundation puts it perfectly:
“Without community, there’s no mental health. We can’t afford to ignore it.”
At Plunkett, we’re proud to support community businesses, whether they’re shops, pubs, cafés, farms, or even distilleries; they act as welcoming hubs for people to come together. These spaces are more than just places to buy goods or services. They foster inclusion, create opportunities for volunteering and employment (especially for those who may face barriers), and are influential in environmental and social initiatives.
In short, community businesses are doing remarkable work to support mental health in rural areas.
With over 700 members in our network, and representing more than 800 community businesses across the UK, we’re proud to stand alongside them. While I can’t highlight every one of them, here are two inspiring examples that demonstrate how community businesses are making a tangible difference to people’s mental wellbeing.
Making a lasting difference for individuals
My first example comes from Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, a community-owned village store in Oxfordshire that truly embodies the spirit of care and connection. In a recent conversation with Celia, a dedicated member of the shop team, she shared several inspiring stories that highlight the shop’s impact on individual lives.
One story was about a young man with a terminal illness. During an incredibly difficult time, the shop became a place of comfort; offering not just practical support like groceries, but also emotional support through simple acts of kindness: listening, talking, and being present.
Another story involved a refugee who arrived in the village struggling with depression and low confidence. The shop offered her a job, which helped her regain a sense of purpose and belonging. That opportunity became a stepping stone to permanent employment and a new home in Oxfordshire.
The shop also supports young people, offering them valuable work experience. Celia spoke of a young woman who arrived with anxiety and low self-esteem. She started by helping with the till and stock-taking, and has since grown in confidence, and is now thriving in full-time employment.
Celia summed it up beautifully:
“We’re here to help those who feel lost find their place. But it’s like a jigsaw puzzle—we couldn’t do it alone. The support we receive from Plunkett UK, and the like-minded individuals who share our ethos, form an unbreakable circle.”
A green vision with a lasting impact
As winners of the Going Green Award at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards, the Chopwell Regeneration Group demonstrated how a community-led, multi-purpose hub can create lasting change; both environmentally and socially.
In March 2024, the Chopwell Regeneration Group launched The Regeneration Shop, a vibrant community space where residents can bring household items—ranging from electricals and digital devices to mechanical goods and clothing, for repair. The shop also sells low-cost, refurbished items and pre-loved clothes, making sustainable living more accessible.
By offering affordable second-hand goods, the shop not only saves people money but also reduces anxiety around household expenses. It has become a hub for volunteering, job creation, skills development, and vocational training, empowering the community while reducing landfill waste.
Importantly, the shop also nurtures mental health and wellbeing. Through its repair activities, it creates opportunities for social connection and purpose. One volunteer, a full-time carer for his wife, comes in weekly to repair items, which makes him “feel useful” and allows him to share his skills. Another volunteer, living with PTSD, finds social settings challenging—so he and his partner collect items to repair at home, enabling him to contribute in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
This project beautifully weaves together environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. The principles of recycling, reuse, and repair are embedded throughout, offering a powerful example of how sustainability can uplift and empower rural communities.
How Does Your Community Business Support Mental Wellbeing? We’d Love to Hear from You!
At Plunkett, we’re committed to supporting communities in setting up and running thriving businesses; and we know that many of these enterprises play a vital role in promoting wellbeing.
We’d love to hear how your community business supports positive mental health in your area. Whether it’s through inclusive spaces, social activities, volunteering opportunities, or simply offering a place to connect—your stories matter.
Share your stories to communications@plunkett.co.uk so we can shine a light on the powerful impact of community businesses and inspire others to do the same.
