Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week this year will take place from Monday 11 – Sunday 17 May 2026.
The theme, as set by the Mental Health Foundation, is to: Take Action.
On this page:
This Mental Health Awareness Week:
Every action counts!
Drive awareness
Build understanding
Prioritise mental health
Support mental health for all
Life is full of challenges, and good mental health is not a constant. But when we all take action to support mental health at home, in school, and at work, we help remove the barriers that hold people back. This supports our own wellbeing and improves attitudes across society so that everyone can access the support they deserve, young people feel supported with school pressures, and mental health is prioritised in every workplace.
If we all take action, we can help ensure that mental health becomes a national priority and that people can find the guidance, tools and support they need to thrive.
Our programmes turn actions into impact. We’ve helped people manage financial challenges through personalised advice, generating more than £11 million in financial gains. We’ve supported over 100,000 young people as they navigate school pressures, build resilience, and develop the skills to manage stress. Through our Into Work programme, 98% of clients showed improved wellbeing. And through our Workplace Mental Health and Training team, we support organisations to create workplaces that prioritise wellbeing.
How will you take action this Mental Health Awareness Week?
Whether it’s one action for the week or one each day, it all counts and doesn’t need to stop when the week ends.
A thriving UK is only possible when everyone has the support they need, and that starts with the actions we each choose to take.
Make your action count!
Drive awareness
Build understanding
Prioritise mental health
Support mental health for all
Featured event
31 Miles in May: Move It for Mental Health
Multiple dates
Free resources and tools:
From managing stress, anxiety and burnout to improving sleep and resilience, these downloadable resources from Mental Health UK provide clear, actionable ways to support your mental health and wellbeing every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is community the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week?
The theme is set by the Mental Health Foundation every year, and for 2025 it was ‘community’. As soon as the new theme is announced, we will update this page with how you can get involved this year.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event in the UK dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and promoting mental wellbeing for all. Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, the week provides an opportunity to reflect on mental health, spark conversations, and support those experiencing mental health challenges. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus attention on aspects of mental health.
When is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week typically takes place in May each year. The exact dates vary, so it’s worth bookmarking this webpage for up-to-date information about the current year’s event.
What is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week?
Each year, Mental Health Awareness Week highlights a new theme to guide discussions and initiatives. Previous themes have included loneliness, kindness, and body image.
Why is this week important?
Mental health is important to everyone – it’s estimated that around 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. Mental Health Awareness Week is vital because it shines a spotlight on mental health, encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and promoting wellbeing. It’s an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together, share stories, and advocate for better mental health support.
How can I get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week?
You can get involved in many ways! Share our mental health resources or lived experience stories on social media using the event’s hashtag, attend events or workshops, or organise activities to promote mental wellbeing in your community. We often create free resources and toolkits to help spread the word, and you can use this time to share your own experiences with mental health as a way to foster more open conversations. If you’re able, you can also donate to support our mission to provide people with the tools they need to live their best possible life at home, school and work.
What resources are available for Mental Health Awareness Week?
Every year, we create and provide free resources like posters, fact sheets, and social media graphics to help raise awareness. Be sure to bookmark our webpage, where we’ll share the latest resources.
