Stress Awareness Month

Every year the Stress Management Society runs a campaign ‘to help individuals and organisations recognise and reduce stress, fostering a happier, healthier, and more resilient world’. In 2026, the theme is Be the Change, which is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. The theme also reflects our own strapline: Be a Mate. Be the Change. 
 
During this important awareness campaign, we are encouraging our Supporters, partners and visitors to normalise talking about mental health and particularly about stress. Take time to identify the root cause(s) and address them not only within your own organisation, but also across your supply chains and networks, not just during April, but throughout the year. This will help to address the stigma and give people the confidence and reassurance that it is okay to start a conversation about stress. 

Please read on to access free resources to help you engage with Stress Awareness Month.

When Is Stress Awareness Month?

Stress Awareness Month is taking place throughout April 2026.

Resources for Stress Awareness Month

At Mates in Mind, we work with organisations to improve the mental health of their workforce by providing the skills, clarity, and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health. 

This is why we have created a suite of resources to support organisations not only during Stress Awareness Month, but also to create a comprehensive and ongoing programme of support. 

Please use this link to watch our five short stress awareness videos. The series takes you through how to spot the signs of stress, depression and anxiety; how to start a conversation; the importance of risk assessments; undertaking reasonable adjustments and signposting further support.

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 Spotting the Signs Infographic and a Stress Awareness Factsheet.

We have created a toolbox talk for senior leaders, line manager, 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 Stress Awareness Month  important?

We know that stress at work can have a devastating impact on someone and that it can have life changing repercussions for them as well as their family, friends and colleagues. 

Trigger warning: please be aware that the film below mentions suicide.

Stress statistics demonstrate 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/stress. 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, on average, businesses achieve a £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. 

And finally, we know that through working collaboratively, we can be the change that is needed to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace. Together we can ensure that all teams are supported through a proactive prevention strategy which raises awareness, improves understanding and the confidence to address the stigma of mental ill-health, and creates supportive workplaces.

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 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.