The power of community: How Hector’s House and Togetherall are supporting mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to reflect, support, and advocate for mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, “Community: Connect, Support, Thrive,” couldn’t be more timely or meaningful. Mental health is not just a personal journey; it’s a collective one. In a world that often feels disconnected, community can be the anchor that grounds us, offering belonging, hope, and healing.

Building a strong, supportive network can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. Whether it’s a friend who listens without judgement, a group that meets regularly to meditate, or even an online space to share your thoughts — connection saves lives. This belief sits at the heart of both Hector’s House and Togetherall, two organisations united in the mission to ensure no one faces mental health challenges alone.

Who is Hector’s House?

Hector’s House is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness charity based in Hertfordshire, founded by the Stringer family in memory of Hector, who died by suicide at the age of 18. Determined to transform their loss into action, the family created a space dedicated to ending mental health stigma and preventing suicide through education, awareness, and support.

“Our worlds were shattered the day we lost Hector to suicide,” said Hector’s father, Robert Stringer, co-founder of Hector’s House. “The work we do in his memory won’t bring him back, but it will help others in our local community to reach out when they need support — to ensure no other family has to endure the heartbreak we’ve faced. It will inspire hope that things can and will get better when we work together.”

For Hector’s House, community is everything. It’s how the charity sustains its work and how it fosters healing and connection for the people it serves. Whether it’s through men’s groups, Sunday Sanctuary meditation, or outreach at local events, the impact of community is felt deeply and daily.

How to engage in the community for mental wellbeing

In an era where loneliness and isolation are on the rise, Hector’s House actively encourages the people it supports to invest in their own community. Here are a few of their favourite ways to do so:

1. Volunteer – Gain a sense of purpose while connecting with others who share your values. 
2. Join a local group or club – Explore hobbies or interests to meet like-minded people. Another link to check out: Hector’s House Hector’s Gentle-Man’s Club – Hector’s House 
3. Attend community events – Feel part of something larger and make new connections.
4. Support local businesses – Even a brief chat with a barista can create meaningful moments of connection.
5. Organise or join a fundraiser – Rally around a cause you’re passionate about and strengthen bonds with others.
6. Be a kind neighbour – Small gestures often grow into lasting relationships.
7. Engage online – Join supportive digital communities and forums like Togetherall

Togetherall + Hector’s House: stronger together

The partnership between Hector’s House and Togetherall exemplifies the power of combining local grassroots efforts with accessible online support. Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, 24/7 digital community where people can express themselves freely, connect with others, and access mental health resources without judgement.

For those who may not be ready to speak face-to-face or need help during off hours, platforms like Togetherall bridge the gap. It expands Hector’s House’s reach, ensuring that everyone in Hertfordshire — and beyond — has access to the mental health support they deserve.

A shared mission: No barriers, no judgement

Both Hector’s House and Togetherall share a core belief: no one should be prevented from accessing mental health support, and when they do, it should be free of stigma and judgement. Whether it’s in-person or online, in a small village or a virtual chat room, support must be available to all.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us remember that community isn’t just about proximity — it’s about showing up, speaking out, and standing together. Because when we connect and support one another, we give ourselves and each other the best chance to thrive.

About Togetherall  

Established in 2007, Togetherall is available to more than 20 million individuals worldwide. Togetherall is the leading clinically managed, peer-to-peer, online support community where members can share what’s on their minds, anonymously, safely, and in-the-moment, 24/7/365. Members can connect through shared lived experiences with a global network of peers, backed by the safeguarding of real, live, licensed clinicians overseeing the community around-the-clock. These clinicians empower members in peer-to-peer support and foster and maintain a safe, vibrant environment.

Your organisation may already provide Togetherall’s online peer-to-support, at no cost to you! Click here to search your organisation.