As a therapist, I often hear young people talk about feeling isolated, struggling to make friends, lacking confidence, or feeling as though they don’t quite fit in. Parents frequently tell me they wish their children would spend less time alone in their bedrooms or away from screens and have opportunities to build genuine friendships and connections. It made me reflect on my own childhood and the positive impact that being part of a community group had on my life.
Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I was fortunate to be a member of one of three marching bands and majorette troupes in my hometown. Looking back, I realise it offered so much more than learning routines and performing. It became a place where I truly belonged.
Our troupe brought together children and young people of all ages. Parents, siblings, cousins and other family members became involved too, whether helping with training, fundraising or serving on the committee. It wasn’t just the young people who built friendships – entire families became part of a supportive community.
We trained twice a week, and throughout the summer we travelled to carnivals, shows and competitions across East Anglia. Along the way we met members of other troupes, creating friendships and connections that often extended far beyond the competitions themselves.When I think back now, I can see just how important those experiences were for my emotional well-being.
For me, the troupe was a safe space where I could simply be myself. I could express myself through movement and performance without fear of judgement. It gave me confidence, improved my social skills and taught me how to work as part of a team. It also encouraged regular physical activity, which we now know has significant benefits for both physical and mental health.
Perhaps most importantly, it gave me a sense of belonging. School was not always an enjoyable place for me. Like many young people, I experienced bullying and unhealthy relationships, which affected my confidence. Home life, too, could sometimes feel overwhelming as I was the only girl among four children. Being part of the majorettes provided a positive escape. It was somewhere I felt accepted, valued and understood. Years later, I watched history repeat itself with my own children.
They enjoyed activities such as karate and Brownies, but I saw them flourish when they joined the majorettes. Their confidence grew, they developed lasting friendships and became more comfortable in themselves. As a single parent, paying for activities wasn’t always easy and there were times when finances were stretched. However, seeing the positive changes in my daughters, watching them develop into confident young women and seeing the joy they experienced made every sacrifice worthwhile.
Eventually I became a committee member myself, which brought us even closer together and introduced me to another wonderful network of supportive friendships and community connections.
As both a parent and a therapist, these experiences have reinforced my belief that community groups can play a powerful role in supporting young people’s emotional well-being.
Why Community Groups Matter for Mental Health
Community groups offer far more than a hobby. They provide opportunities for young people to develop emotionally, socially and psychologically.
Being involved in a community group can help young people to:
Develop healthy friendships and positive relationships.
Build confidence and self-esteem through achievement and encouragement.
Improve communication and social skills.
Develop resilience by learning to cope with challenges and setbacks.
Experience a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Learn teamwork, cooperation and respect for others.
Improve emotional regulation through structured activities.
Benefit from regular movement and exercise, which can reduce stress and improve mood.
Discover new interests, talents and strengths.
Connect with positive adult role models outside of school and home.
Create happy memories and experiences that last a lifetime. For many young people, these groups become protective factors that support good mental health and emotional resilience during difficult periods of life.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Recently, I had the pleasure of watching my daughter and my grandchildren compete in a majorette competition. As I watched the performances, I found myself smiling as memories came flooding back.
Although competitions have changed over the years, one thing remains exactly the same.I saw young people laughing together, encouraging one another, celebrating each other’s successes and supporting each other after disappointments. I saw confidence shining through in performances, families cheering from the sidelines and communities coming together to support the next generation. It reminded me that while technology, schools and society may have changed, young people still have the same fundamental emotional needs.
They need connection.
They need encouragement.
They need opportunities to belong.
Creating Opportunities to Belong Today, there may not be as many community groups available as there once were, but there are still many wonderful organisations offering opportunities for young people. Whether it’s performing arts, majorettes, dance, music, scouts, guides, sports clubs, martial arts, youth groups or volunteering, every group has the potential to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
As therapists, parents, carers and members of our communities, we all have a role to play in encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zone, try something new and discover where they feel they belong. The friendships they make, the confidence they gain and the memories they create could stay with them for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give a young person isn’t just an activity. It’s a place where they feel accepted, valued and connected.
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