Celebrating diversity in Barnet

Chris Hartley from Meridian Wellbeing on conversations and community

A summer seen in the Swiss mountains — Sternenjaeger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

We’re lucky to live in such a diverse borough, with people from many different cultures, faiths and identities. According to the 2021 census, just over 43% of Barnet residents were born outside the UK and over 60% identify with a faith or belief such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam.

Diversity can take forms such as these, but it can also include other parts of our community such as people who are LGBTQ+ or people with a disability. All of these groups are an important part of what makes Barnet great – each adding their own stories, traditions, heritage and perspectives. And as summer begins, Barnet comes alive with opportunities to celebrate each other.

For example, in June we mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month, followed by Disability Pride Month in July. These times of awareness are more than just dates in the calendar, they are vital opportunities to build understanding, reduce stigma, and improve our community.

In a borough like ours, it’s vital that we seek to reach out to others and encourage dialogue and understanding. Awareness events create spaces for these conversations. They allow all residents to feel seen, heard, and valued.

At Meridian Wellbeing, we’re proud to be part of this community, because we believe diversity enriches us all. Through our work providing mental health and wellbeing services, such as CBT therapy, peer-support, or exercise classes, we have also seen first-hand how awareness and inclusion can transform lives.

Community helps us to raise awareness and break down stigma – things which are vital for supporting our own, and others’, mental health. This is particularly important for those residents that face prejudice or inequalities.

For example, research by the NHS and The Mental Health Foundation has also found that people with disabilities and people who are LGBTQ+ are both more likely to experience mental health challenges then the general population.

Having originally been founded over thirty years ago to support Barnet residents of Chinese and East Asian heritage, we have provided support services, activities and events to all of Barnet’s many residents, and beyond, for over a decade. We believe that when people feel respected, included and accepted, they are more likely to thrive.

Research by the World Health Organisation shows that social connection and a sense of belonging are essential building blocks for good mental health. When individuals feel they can be themselves without fear of judgement, it reduces stress, increases confidence, and fosters resilience.

Prejudice and exclusion only drives fear and anxiety, both for those experiencing it, but also for those engaging in this behaviour or thinking. Once we start down this path, it’s very difficult not to find reasons to exclude others.

This is why Meridian Wellbeing runs a number of big events throughout the year which both celebrate Barnet’s diversity and are open to all. These include World Mental Health Day, International Women’s Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, and our summer market fair. By celebrating diversity and seeking to be welcoming and inclusive, we actively create an environment where we all can feel safe and supported.

We can all contribute to this positive environment through small, everyday actions such as:

Being open to others and willing to show our vulnerability. For example, by joining one of Meridian Wellbeing’s peer-led support groups like our Wellbeing Cafe or those of our partners such as Andy’s Man Club.
Taking the time to understand someone’s experiences. For example, we support Barnet Council’s connecting communities campaign to bring together Barnet.
Challenge stigma – banter or jokes shouldn’t be used to exclude or undermine others. For example, in March we hosted an event with Barnet Council to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Learn about the different peoples, cultures and groups that make up our community. For example, in November we hosted a ‘Warmth in Unity’ event with partners to celebrate Barnet’s diversity.
Make others feel welcome and included. For example, you could join our Wellbeing Cafes at Hendon or New Barnet.

The lessons and momentum from an awareness day, week or month should live with us every day and drive us all to make things better.

At Meridian Wellbeing, we believe that by celebrating difference and supporting one another through actions like these, we can create a borough where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We are hosting a Father’s Day market fair at the Meritage Centre, Hendon on Sunday 21^st June (from 11.30am) to celebrate all of Barnet’s dads with an exciting variety of authentic Asian stalls, food and activities. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. You can register here.

You can find out more about our work and services at meridianwellbeing.com, remember to also follow us on social media (@MeridianWellbeing) and to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter.

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