Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between the 12th and the 18th of May. This year’s theme is all about ‘community’ and how much that can make a difference to a person’s mental health.
It’s normal to feel ‘at sea’ during a divorce or separation, particularly if you and your ex-partner shared friends and enjoyed hobbies together as a couple in the past. The reality is that your community can feel much, much smaller.
While you’re adjusting to your new life as a single person, loneliness can creep in. That’s why having a community you can rely on is so important, providing the people you need to support you as you look to the future.
Here are our tips on rebuilding a community you can turn to after divorce.
Find your thing
Putting yourself out there after divorce can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly empowering. Now is your chance to try all the things you’ve always wanted to try. This is the time to be as selfish as you like!
If you’re hoping to make new friends, there are plenty of incredibly sociable groups out there where you can find like-minded people with whom you’ll have common ground.
Some groups in Harrogate include:
Social Running Group (a 5k running club starting from Up and Running)
Harrogate Stitch and Craft Club
Community Fit (combine volunteering with getting fit)
Rossett Adult Learning – from life drawing and philosophy to a new language, or yoga, learn a new skill with a variety of adult learning courses
This isn’t to say you have to give up the hobbies you shared with your partner. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different with a new group of people, a club is a fantastic way to start. If you’re looking for something different, a quick Google search for your hobby and local area will point you in the right direction – looking at some of the options, the sky really is the limit!
Find your people
Your circle may feel smaller after divorce. Whether that’s the case or not, it’s quality, not quantity when it comes to friendships that matter. You want people in your community who will support you and empower you.
If you’ve become a single parent, this can be a big adjustment, and it’s easy to feel stuck for both time and options. Always remember that you’re not alone. In 2023, there were an estimated 3.2 million single-parent families in the UK, meaning there are plenty of other people who share and understand your experience.
Organisations like Gingerbread offer support and advice to both single mothers and single fathers, and there are numerous local resources available, including coaching programmes and playgroups, in and around the Harrogate area. Why not check out Harrogate Mumbler to see if anything might suit you?
Your Harrogate Family Law community
We understand that divorce is a deeply personal and emotional thing. You want to know you have a solid team in your corner throughout the process and whenever you might need us.
Our team looks beyond the law to ensure that you feel safe and secure moving into your new life. We want nothing more than to help you see all the new opportunities ahead.
If you need expert family advice and are ready to prioritise a better future for you and your family, contact the team now for a no-obligation call.
