Stronger Together: A Community Walk in Amsterdam for European Mental Health Week

Community Mental Health Walk in Vondelpark Amsterdam, NL. Connecting, walking, enjoying nature!

Last Friday evening, May 8, I hosted the “Stronger Together” Community Walk in Amsterdam as part of European Mental Health Week, in collaboration with Mental Health Europe.

Across Europe, more than 40 events took place under this year’s theme: “Stronger Together.”

This walk in Amsterdam was part of the Community pillar, focused on something simple but essential — connection, belonging, and being together in real life.

A Walk Through Many Stages of Life Abroad

Here in Amsterdam, we gathered a diverse group.

We had 15 walkers, two 13-year-olds, one cargo bike, one regular bike, and people who represented a wide range of international life experiences.

One had just arrived in Amsterdam a month ago.

Another had been here for 25 years.

And many were somewhere in between.

Different ages, different stories, different lengths of time in the city — but one shared experience: life lived abroad.

Walking, Talking, Connecting

We walked together through Amsterdam, meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, and sharing conversations about what it really means to build a life in another country.

There was laughter, openness, and a lot of recognition in each other’s stories.

Whether someone was new or not-so-new to international life, one thing became very clear: we all need community — no matter how long you’ve lived abroad.

Why Walking Matters

As a counselor working with internationals, I often encourage walking as a simple but powerful way to support mental health — alongside counseling.

Walking helps us:

* slow down

* reset our thoughts

* feel more connected to ourselves and others

* engage with the places we live in

And of course, it supports physical wellbeing too.

But what stood out most last Friday was this: walking together creates space for connection that feels natural, easy, and real.

Connection to each other.

Connection to our city.

Connection to where we live.

A Clear Message From the Evening

One thing became very clear by the end of the walk: everyone asked if we could do it again.

And honestly — that was music to my ears.

There is a need for community, no matter how long you have lived abroad, and walking is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to create it.

We confirmed that together last Friday night.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined, shared their stories, and contributed donations to De Regenboog Groep. It was a great way to start the weekend.

Keep walking, everyone!