In Support of Self-Care Week 2025: “Mind and Body for a Healthier, Happier Life”

Each November, National Self-Care Week (17–23 November 2025) encourages people across the UK to take charge of their health and happiness. This year’s theme – “Mind and Body for a Healthier, Happier Life” — reminds us that looking after our own wellbeing isn’t selfish. It’s essential.

And one of the often overlooked ways to care for both mind and body is through friendship.

Strong friendships can aid emotional wellbeing. They help us manage stress, build resilience, and stay grounded, especially when life feels overwhelming.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, making time for connection is one of the meaningful forms of self-care we can practice.

Understanding Mental Well-Being

Mental well-being isn’t just the absence of illness it’s about feeling balanced, resilient, and connected.

It’s how we think, feel, and interact with others each day.

In the UK, mental health challenges remain significant. According to MIND, one in four people experience a mental health problem each year. But research shows that social connection, particularly friendship, plays a major role in improving outcomes.

Supportive relationships can ease anxiety, reduce depression, and strengthen our ability to cope with challenges – exactly what Self-Care Week aims to promote.

The Power of Friendship in Enhancing Mental Well-Being

Emotional Support

Friends give us a safe, judgment-free space to share feelings and worries. That simple act of being heard can ease stress and lighten life’s emotional load.

Building Resilience

Through shared experiences and encouragement, friends help us bounce back from setbacks. They remind us that we’re not alone, even when times are tough.

A Sense of Belonging

Belonging is one of the deepest human needs. Friendships reduce isolation and give us meaning and purpose – key ingredients for good mental health.

The Science Behind Friendship and Mental Health

It’s not just emotional, it’s physical too. It is reported that friendship can help to:

  • Lower rates of anxiety and depression
  • Reduce blood pressure and stress hormones
  • Trigger oxytocin and serotonin – chemicals that boost mood and connection
  • Regulate stress by lowering cortisol levels

Simply put, friendship can be good for you.

Types of Support Friendship Can Provide

  • Practical Support – Offering help, sharing advice, or showing up when needed.
  • Social Engagement – Going for walks, volunteering, or attending community events together.
  • Motivation & Accountability – Encouraging each other to stay active, eat well, and nurture self-care habits.

Each type of support builds strength in both mind and body aligning perfectly with this year’s Self-Care Week theme.

How Organisations Foster Friendships and Support Systems

Community organisations like Foresters Friendly Society play a vital role in helping people connect.

Through social events, volunteering opportunities, and local branch activities, Foresters Friendly members meet new people, build genuine friendships, and support one another.

This sense of community can help with mental well-being by reducing loneliness, increasing belonging, and offering a safe space for mutual support.

And when life gets challenging, members also get access to discretionary grants for additional help, such as:

All grants are discretionary and depend on individual circumstances. They are reviewed carefully to ensure they meet members’ needs. Learn more about member benefits.

Self-Care in Action: Friendship as a Lifeline

When we invest time in friendships, we invest in our own health. A shared laugh, a kind message, or a community event can lift our spirits and remind us that we’re never alone.

So, as we celebrate National Self-Care Week, take a moment to reach out to a friend or make a new one.

Join a Community That Cares

At Foresters Friendly Society, membership is about belonging.

When you join, you’ll have access to:

  • Fun social events and volunteering opportunities
  • A supportive network
  • Discretionary grants for life’s unexpected challenges

Together, we can build a more connected and emotionally resilient society.

Learn more about membership benefits
Join Foresters Friendly Society

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as advice. All grants offered by the Society are discretionary. Qualifying periods apply. The membership benefits we provide aren’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and are regularly reviewed by us to ensure they are relevant to our members. Foresters Care is provided by RedArc Assured Ltd, a personal nurse advice service.

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