When Bridging Minds began in August 2025, it started with humble listening circles — safe spaces for people to share their experiences of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and mental health challenges. Within weeks, those small circles transformed into a thriving virtual network of self-care and support. By September, our community had grown beyond all expectations. With over 300 new participants joining from across the UK, our community has reached 3K members. This milestone is more than a number — it represents lives connected, stories shared, and communities strengthened through inclusive and culturally responsive care.

To continue this growth and welcome even more people, we are proud to announce the integration of the BridgeRoots Community. This expansion marks a new chapter for Bridging Minds, opening fresh platforms and pathways to reach new participants and extend our support into even more communities.

Reflecting on this moment, Dr. Neha Sharma, Founder of Aarogyam UK and Bridging Minds, shared:

“Our journey began with a simple intention — to understand people’s needs and create safe spaces for healing. Reaching our full capacity so quickly is humbling, and integrating BridgeRoots gives us the opportunity to extend this vision to many more communities. For me, uniting people for mental health and support is about more than setting up groups — it is about creating spaces where conversations can happen openly, without fear or stigma. The barriers people face are often invisible yet deeply felt: isolation, cultural misunderstandings, and the silence that surrounds mental health in so many of our communities. What Bridging Minds has shown is that when we begin by listening, with humility and care, people respond.

In just a few weeks, we have managed to connect hundreds of individuals across the UK, showing how strong the need is and how quickly communities will come together when they feel safe and seen. To see strangers from diverse backgrounds share, support, and uplift one another reminds me that mental health is not an individual struggle but a shared human experience. This journey is a powerful reminder that when people unite, the walls of stigma begin to fall, and the possibility of true equity becomes real.”

Our vision is simple yet profound: to make mental health accessible for all, uniting the UK’s diverse communities in support of one another, so that no one is left behind. We believe that every voice matters, every story carries weight, and every person deserves safe, responsive, and culturally grounded care. With the continued support of the National Lottery, Bridging Minds is building not just a project, but a community of belonging and equity. What began as a handful of listening circles is now a vibrant, fully virtual community at scale — and with BridgeRoots, the story of expansion, inclusion, and shared wholeness is only just beginning.

How to Join

Joining Bridging Minds is simple, accessible, and designed to meet you where you are. Our WhatsApp community is the central hub for all participants — a space where announcements, updates, and information are shared in real time. We chose WhatsApp because it is familiar, easy to use, and widely accessible across diverse communities, removing barriers that often prevent people from engaging in mental health support.

From this virtual hub, you can choose the programs that best fit your needs — whether that means joining a self-care group, attending a support circle, or simply walking into any open session. You can participate in one program or several, depending on what feels right for you. Alongside the virtual community, we also encourage participants to join their local hubs, where you can meet others face-to-face and let facilitators know about any specific needs or preferences.

This model ensures that no matter your background, location, or schedule, you can easily connect, access support, and be part of a growing community that values inclusivity, flexibility, and care. You are welcome here — join in the way that feels right for you.