COLORADO SPRINGS — The City of Colorado Springs is launching a new campaign to address mental health through community connections. The 1,000 Neighborhood Meetings initiative aims to reduce people’s isolation and improve their wellbeing.
How well do you know your neighbors? The City of Colorado Springs encourages people to knock on their doors. This is all part of a campaign to reconnect people with their communities.
At a press conference on Thursday, 1,000 Neighborhood Meetings Initiative It was sung by Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
“So the problem is, we’re doing it the old-fashioned way. This is old-school America, where neighbors get to know each other and neighbors help each other as a way to improve the mental health of this community.” said Mobolade.
Mobolade said loneliness and isolation are a national public crisis, according to the US Surgeon General.
“NextDoor sponsored a global study that found that knowing just six neighbors reduces anxiety, improves feelings of connectedness, and reduces social isolation,” said Mobolade. Stated.
Colorado Springs City Councilman David Reinweber said community support is needed to address mental health concerns.
“As a representative for our city, I have heard countless personal stories of people facing isolation and loneliness,” Reinweber said.
He said these stories inspired him to create the 1,000 Neighborhood Meetings Initiative.
“You have permission to knock on your neighbor’s door and say, ‘Come on, let’s go.'” So you’ve got a date scheduled, so you’ve got a few friends and you’re planning this event. I’m going to do it,” Reinweber said.
The goal is to hold 1,000 meetings between May and September. Residents must register with the city for their events and activities to be counted. The initiative will officially launch on May 18-19, during Mental Health Awareness Month. The event will run until September 28th, National Good Neighbor Day.
“This effort is not just about numbers,” Reinweber said. “This is a thousand stories intertwined, a thousand hands outstretched, a thousand hearts united against isolation, and fostering stronger connections within our communities,” Leinweber said.
He said events can be as small as a porch lunch or as large as a block party.
“Anything can happen. It doesn’t have to be a block party. It could be a cookie exchange or just getting together at night and sharing stories. It’s just a way to increase connections,” Leinweber said. Told.
Dr. Chip Vinaite is a professor of psychology at UCCS. He said there weren’t enough mental health resources during the pandemic.
“People are suffering, we know that, and they certainly feel alone,” Vinait said.
He said people are often shy and don’t know how to ask their neighbors how they’re doing.
“Maybe these events and 1,000 gatherings will create new friendships and connections,” Vinaite said.
One southeast Colorado Springs resident likes the idea of neighborhood gatherings.
“I think that’s a great idea. I think the time is now. Things are changing. The world is changing and we need new healing, and it’s going to take all of us. I’m really looking forward to it,” Terry Thomas said.
Thomas would like to see less crime in his neighborhood.
“I know it’s not going to happen right away, but I think if we can reduce crime rates, from car burglaries to murders, it will really bring peace and increase public confidence,” Thomas said.
Thomas would like to help host a block party for the community.
“Music and food bring everyone together. That’s all it takes,” Thomas said.
He said the place he calls home becomes stronger as neighbors get to know each other and build trust.
“It’s All About Love. It’s all about community. It’s all about making this environment as safe as possible,” Thomas said.
The city has a three-phase plan: How to host a neighborhood gathering on your website. Contains resources and information on how to obtain permits and rentals.
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