What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11–17 May) is “Take Action.”
After years of building awareness, the Mental Health Foundation has shifted the focus toward tangible, proactive steps. The message is clear: while talking about mental health is vital, real change happens through what we do.
After years of building awareness, the Mental Health Foundation has shifted the focus toward tangible, proactive steps.
The message is clear: while talking about mental health is vital, real change happens through what we do
Why “Action” and Why Now?
In 2026, the UK is facing a “implementation gap.” We have higher awareness than ever before, yet mental health absences and burnout rates are still climbing. By focusing on Action, the campaign aims to:
Reduce Powerlessness: When we feel anxious, taking a small action (like gardening or volunteering) can provide a sense of agency.
Normalize Support: When people see others taking action—whether it’s wearing a green ribbon or speaking up in a meeting—it lowers the barrier for others to do the same.
The 2026 Mantra: “Individual actions matter, but when we come together, we are even more powerful.”
Why “Action” and Why Now?
In 2026, the UK is facing a “implementation gap.” We have higher awareness than ever before, yet mental health absences and burnout rates are still climbing. By focusing on Action, the campaign aims to:
- Reduce Powerlessness: When we feel anxious, taking a small action (like gardening or volunteering) can provide a sense of agency.
- Normalize Support: When people see others taking action—whether it’s wearing a green ribbon or speaking up in a meeting—it lowers the barrier for others to do the same.
- The 2026 Mantra: “Individual actions matter, but when we come together, we are even more powerful.”
Mental Health Awareness Week activities for the workplace
Lunchtime Craftercise
Get the Sharpies Felt tip pens out of the stationary cupboard, download our colouring sheet and hold a relaxing ‘Craftercise’ lunchtime session.
‘Craftercise’ is designed to help your team to bond. Participating in a creative activity that is not directly related to work helps to design a space where people can relate on a new level.
Doing an activity together away from workspace allows people to get to know one another, bond, chat and builds trust.
Building trust amongst colleagues is important in enabling mental health related conversations.
Wear it Green Day
Organize a Wear it Green Day at your workplace. By going green, you’ll directly support vital research and community programs. Mental Health Foundation provides all the resources you need to host a successful event.
Join the nationwide Wear It Green Day on Thursday, May 14th, during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11th-17th), and help us turn the world green for good mental health.
Can’t make that date? No problem – you can hold your green day anytime!
Spread awareness on social media
Use online platforms to spread messages about Mental Health, share personal stories, and provide information about resources available for those in need.
Engage with hashtags like #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity
Educational Workshops and Seminars:
Educational Workshops and Seminars: Host sessions that provide information mental health awareness. These can be led by mental health professionals or advocates.
Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions: Invite experts and advocates to discuss various aspects of Mental health, answer questions, and provide insights into how individuals and communities can raise mental health awareness.
Workplace Programs: Implement special programs or activities in the workplace that focus on mental health, stress management, and building supportive environments.
Wellbeing Breakfast
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, hold a healthy Wellbeing breakfast with fresh fruit, granola, chia pots and other healthy treats.
Encouraging people to talk about mental health. Starting a conversation can be a powerful way to challenge mental health stigma
and get people to think about their perceptions. For all of us, our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Talking helps us all recognise this and can dispel misconceptions about mental health problems and the people who
experience them.
Mental Health Quiz
To raise awareness and start conversations in the office about mental health have a Mental Health quiz.
Find out how much your colleagues know about mental health and challenge misconceptions and learn the real facts about mental health.
Download a new Mental Health Quiz.
Community Walks or Runs
Organize events that bring people together, walking and running are powerful tools for supporting mental health. Engaging in these activities offers a multitude of benefits for our minds as well as our bodies.
Mental Health Awareness Week resources
Why “Action” and Why Now?
In 2026, the UK is facing a “implementation gap.” We have higher awareness than ever before, yet mental health absences and burnout rates are still climbing. By focusing on Action, the campaign aims to:
Reduce Powerlessness: When we feel anxious, taking a small action (like gardening or volunteering) can provide a sense of agency.
Normalize Support: When people see others taking action—whether it’s wearing a green ribbon or speaking up in a meeting—it lowers the barrier for others to do the same.
The 2026 Mantra: “Individual actions matter, but when we come together, we are even more powerful.”