Mental Health Awareness Week

The Mental Health Foundation organises Mental Health Awareness Week each year. In 2026, the theme is Action because “while awareness is vital, real change comes when we take action too.” 

This is something that we wholeheartedly agree with and is why we work collaboratively with organisations of any size to create a culture of prevention. We recommend that organisations educate, train and support all employees (whether directly employed, or working under contract) across the whole workforce to ensure everyone has the skills, clarity and confidence on how to raise awareness, improve understanding, implement effective interventions, end the stigma of mental ill-health, and to ensure there is a continuous and comprehensive solution in place so that no-one reaches crisis point and mental health awareness becomes everyone’s responsibility.

But please remember that action on mental health should not be something we focus on for only a day, week or month – it should be part of every working day.

When Is Mental Health Awareness Week?

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is running from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May, and we are encouraging our Supporters to start the conversation within their own organisations and across their networks. 

Resources for Mental Health Awareness Week

We have created a suite of resources to support organisations, not only during Mental Health Awareness Week but every working day, to create a supportive workplace culture which improves mental health in and through work.

Please click on the link below to download a free A3 poster which you can share across your organisation.

Please also visit our Resources page where you can download additional free resources including a mental health quiz and watch the Stress Awareness video series.

We have also created a toolbox talk for senior leaders, line managers, HR and health and safety representatives to deliver to their teams. To access this resource please fill in the brief form below.

Please note: if you are one of our Supporters you do not need to fill in the form – all resources are in the ‘Additional resources’ section of the portal.

Free and Confidential Support Services

If the information on this page has resonated with you, and if you or someone you know needs help or support, you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services.

Why is Mental Health Awareness Week important?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that in 2024/25: 

• There were 964,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety. 
• Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 52% of all work-related ill-health cases and 62% of all working days lost due to work-related ill-health. 
• The main work factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety include the demands of the job, lack of control, lack of information and support, work relationships, and roles and responsibilities. 

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, including mental health. Mental wellbeing also benefits the business, for example, increased productivity, a reduction in sickness and staff turnover, and it demonstrates that the organisation is a good, safe, and supportive place to work. Research has found that employers who proactively invest in mental health support for their workforce can make significant gains, with an average £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.

Mental wellbeing in the workplace is also good for the employee, for example, improving confidence, purpose, achievement, positive relationships and inclusion. 

Further Reading on Mental Wellbeing

If you’d like to explore this topic in more detail, the following resources may be helpful.

Our blogs can help you find practical tips and guidance on how to undertake stress risk assessments, manage stress in the workplace, create a culture of prevention at work, eradicate the culture of silence and address the stigma around mental health in the workplace.

A key pillar of our framework is to educate and inform a workforce, with tailored training, helping everyone understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing.

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

Please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be informed when we publish new campaign pages (like this one), new resources and new blogs in our ‘How to optimise your mental wellbeing’ series.

How We Can Support You

Mates in Mind can support your organisation to build a mental health plan and to create a culture of prevention.

Our dedicated team of Support Managers work with organisations of any size to develop a tailored action plan, evaluating your organisation's priorities and gaps, and providing the tools and support you need.

This plan includes ongoing support with communication and delivery of your plan, as well as training opportunities, promotional materials, and a suite of tools (including World Mental Health Day and World Suicide Prevention Day packs) to enable you to drive long-lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more about how we can help your organisation build a culture of prevention when you become a Supporter by:

• Visiting our Become a Supporter page
  
  
• Calling: 020 3510 5018
  
  
• Using our contact form

If you would like to know when we publish new resources, please complete the newsletter sign up at the bottom of this page.

Mates in Mind Supporters

We have additional materials available for our Supporters.

To download these materials please log in to the Supporter portal, and access your resources.

If you are not a Supporter but would like to find out more about our Programme please read on.