Being part of a community does wonders for mental health. It gives us connection, purpose, and the reassurance that we’re not alone.

Finding Your Community

When I saw that Mental Health Awareness week this year was focusing on Community, I was immediately delighted. Community isn’t just something that Meyler Campbell values – it’s rooted in who we are as an organisation. 

Everyone deserves the opportunity to find their community. For some, it’s outside the professional world: a book club discussing your love of stories, volunteering time in your neighbourhood community, or playing social sports with others. For others, it’s found through lifelong learning – connecting with people who share a passion for growing their knowledge and skills. Personally, I consider myself lucky to have found many welcoming communities throughout my life.

For me, I have always enjoyed playing team sports. I did this throughout all my school years and have continued this into my adult life. Now, I regularly play hockey (field hockey for any American readers) for a large hockey club, complete with weekly training sessions and Saturday matches throughout the season.  And I think it’s important to remind ourselves that being part of such a team doesn’t need to be just about the sport and physical exercise – it’s a way to connect, grow, and thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Last year, I suffered a major knee injury: a complete ACL rupture that required reconstructive surgery and a long recovery. I feared it might end my hockey career. The physical rehab was challenging, but it was the emotional and mental toll that surprised me most. Suddenly, I wasn’t training with my teammates or playing matches on Saturdays. I felt isolated. 

But my hockey community never left me behind. They checked in regularly, offered encouragement, and celebrated every milestone of my recovery. When I returned to play 10 months later, their joy in welcoming me back was overwhelming. That support gave me the resilience to keep going – it reminded me that community isn’t just about showing up when things are good, but about standing beside each other when things are hard.

That same spirit is what I’ve experienced within the Meyler Campbell community over the last seven years. It’s a network of generous, purpose-driven people who genuinely want others to succeed. Whether it’s a listening ear, a connection, or a kind word, the support is real and lasting. Within a professional learning community, like Meyler Campbell, we can share knowledge, challenge one another’s thinking, and provide support in a way that fosters continuous development.

In the end, being part of a community – personal or professional – does wonders for mental health. It gives us connection, purpose, and the reassurance that we’re not alone. And that, to me, is invaluable.

Alana Giles

As Head of Marketing at Meyler Campbell, Alana enjoys dedicating her professional expertise to a variety of projects, and is passionate in finding new and exciting ways to advance her skills.