What we’re about
Welcome to The Connections Collective that is put on by NAMI SMC (The National Alliance on Mental Illness, San Mateo County). The Connections Collective is a supportive and inclusive space specially crafted for individuals navigating the unique challenges of their twenties. We understand that reaching out, making connections, and forming friendships can be daunting, especially when faced with the complexities of mental health conditions.
In this welcoming community, we recognize the struggles that some may face, whether it's battling anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life. The Connections Collective aims to be a lifeline for those who find it challenging to put themselves out there, offering a safe space for individuals seeking genuine connections and understanding peers.
The Connections Collective has monthly meet ups where we do fun activities together such as bowling, escape rooms, game nights, mini golf, cooking classes, and many more. The group is made to connect with other people in their 20s, have fun and provide a supportive environment for people to feel comfortable talking about what they're going through. We aim to foster a sense of belonging, support and connection.
We hope you join us in building this community together!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Sunset Hike & 20s Social with The Connections CollectiveWater Dog Lake South Trailhead, Belmont, CA$5.00
Join The Connections Collective as we hit the trails! Come enjoy a relaxing sunset hike and tasty food at an outdoor venue, all while meeting other 20-somethings looking to make new connections.🎉
This event is designed to support the unique experiences of those in their twenties, especially those navigating mental health conditions. We know reaching out and making new friends can be challenging, so we’ve created an event that makes it easy to relax, connect, and enjoy some fresh air together.
We’ll be hiking at Waterdog Lake & Open Space in Belmont. The trail is a wide dirt fire road (not paved) and is mostly flat with some small inclines. It’s an out-and-back trail, and we’ll likely walk about 1–3 miles total taking about 30 minutes - 1 hour. We want to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe, so we’ll turn back whenever the group prefers. It’s important to listen to your body!
After enjoying the sunset and some time outdoors, those who want to keep hanging out will take the short 15-minute drive to Fieldwork in San Mateo. There, we can hang out in the outdoor space while enjoying delicious Detroit-style pizza, or you can head across the street to The Habit Burger Grill.
Learn more about Fieldwork here: Fieldwork San Mateo
Registration:
To reserve your spot, there is a $5 fee, which helps cover your RSVP and other event-related costs. Please send the fee via Venmo to @oliviaheffernan13 at the time of registration.At the event, everything else is free unless you choose to purchase food or drinks. If cost is a barrier, please reach out—we don’t want finances to prevent you from attending!
Parking & Finding The Trail Head:
There is generally easy, free street parking near the trailhead. We’ll meet at the Water Dog Lake South Trailhead, which appears on Google Maps (but not Apple Maps). The trailhead is located at the corner of Lyall Way and Lake Road. On Lyall Way, right near the corner, you’ll see a wide opening to the trail and that’s where we’ll meet.There is a bus route that starts at the Ralston Ave & El Camino Real CalTrain station. It looks like there are two stops near by: Continentals Way & Lyall Way or Lake Road & Carlmont Drive.
Please arrive by 5:45 PM, so we can start hiking at 6:00 PM and avoid getting caught in the dark. If you're running late or can't make it, it’s very important to text me so no one is left behind.
If you’re unable to make the hike or are running very late, you’re welcome to meet us at Fieldwork instead. I estimate we’ll arrive around 7:00–7:30 PM. I’ll send out my phone number before the event so we can stay in touch about timing.
What to Wear:
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, a snack, a hat, and anything else you need to feel comfortable.Weather:
As much as I wish I could control the weather… I can’t.
If it’s raining or the weather isn’t great for hiking, we’ll plan a different activity. Be sure to check back here in the days leading up to the event, and especially on the day of, to make sure there haven’t been any changes.Extra Details:
Dogs are allowed on leash on the trails. They are also allowed at Fieldwork so feel free to bring along your furry friends!There is typically a porta potty available at the trailhead. Of course, unexpected changes can happen on trails, so it's a good idea to plan ahead just in case. But most likely, a restroom will be available.
If you are wondering about more accessibility information, please message me separately.
Before the Event:
I’ll send out my phone number before the event. This will be a very low-stress experience, and we’ll make sure everyone feels included and welcome. We’ll also respect everyone’s physical abilities and go at a comfortable pace.If you have any questions, feel free to message me on Meetup!
Looking forward to hiking with all of you!
