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Jamie McGovern, CWU's Health & Safety Policy Adviser, is promoting this year's Mental Health Awareness Week which starts on Monday 11th May. In his Letter To Branches (LTB138/26) Jamie Writes:

 

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is “Action,” emphasizing taking initiative-taking steps to support mental health for yourself, others, and the wider community. While awareness is important, the purpose of this theme highlights practical actions and personal responsibility in promoting mental well-being. It encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to take concrete steps to reduce stigma, support mental health, and foster caring environments.

 

Click above to download posters

Focus Areas Of The Week

For Yourself: Engage in activities that enhance your own mental well-being and resilience. This could include mindfulness, seeking help if needed, or adopting healthy routines.

 

For Someone Else: Promote positive mental health in your surroundings by offering support, creating psychologically safe spaces at home, in schools, or workplaces, and spreading awareness through conversation or social platforms.

 

For All of Us: The theme calls on broader society and policymakers to ensure mental health is prioritised and supported at a structural level, creating inclusive, supportive communities and workplaces.

Participation and Activities

Wear It Green Day: A designated day for wearing green to show support and start conversations about mental health. Wear it Green Day | Mental Health Foundation

 

Community and Workplace Engagement: Organising campaigns, discussions, or workshops to raise awareness and encourage action for mental well-being.

Education and Advocacy: Sharing knowledge, attending training, or using available resources to promote understanding and early intervention.

 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 goes beyond recognition—it is about taking meaningful action to improve mental health, foster empathy, and build supportive communities.

 

For information and resource materials to help you with your arrangements for Mental Health Week, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.

Samaritans
For people in distress and urgently needing someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen, will not judge, or tell a person what to do and will offer help, support, and guidance 24/7. Members can call them any time, day, or night for FREE on 116 123.

Non-judgemental listening is a crucial form of support, as recent MHFA England research highlighted the critical role psychological safety plays in workplace performance. When employees are fearful of judgement or consequences, innovation slows, mistakes go unchallenged, and wellbeing suffers. With one in seven employees (15%) already admitting to making more mistakes due to stress and fear.

Mental Health Awareness Week free webinars

There are over one hundred webinars taking place throughout May on the theme of Mental Health & wellbeing, two free webinars that have been shared several times on CWU Mental Health First Aider networks are shown below.
Mental Health, Neurodivergence and What Organisations Get Wrong Tickets, Tuesday 12 May

Free: Mental Health Awareness Week Webinar Session – Mind BLMK

Click above to download Action poster

Designed: Chris Ingram, Jamie McGovern
Hosted: Unionsafety