How to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to pause, reflect and take positive action. Whether you’re an employer, team leader or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the week provides a powerful platform to show that mental wellbeing matters.

But how do you mark it in a way that feels genuine rather than tokenistic? The key is simple: keep it practical, inclusive and focused on lasting impact.

Here are some meaningful ways to get involved at work.

1. Start honest conversations

One of the most powerful things you can do is create space for open dialogue.

• Host a wellbeing coffee morning

• Organise a team discussion around this year’s theme

• Share personal reflections from leaders or colleagues

• Encourage simple check-ins

Normalising conversations around mental health helps reduce stigma and reminds people they’re not alone.

2. Encourage movement and activity

Physical activity has a proven positive impact on mental wellbeing. Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to promote simple ways to get moving.

You could:

• Introduce walking meetings

• Organise a lunchtime group walk

• Launch a team step challenge

• Run a Race At Your Pace challenge to bring colleagues together around a shared distance goal

An inclusive activity like Race At Your Pace allows everyone to take part in a way that suits them – walking, running, swimming, cycling or something else altogether – making it accessible across all fitness levels. It combines movement, motivation and friendly competition in a positive, supportive way.

3. Share helpful resources

Awareness should always point people towards support.

• Highlight your Employee Assistance Programme

• Share NHS and charity resources

• Promote mental health helplines

• Provide practical wellbeing guides

Make sure information is visible and easy to access.

4. Focus on small, sustainable habits

Rather than one-off gestures, use the week to encourage habits that last beyond seven days.

Promote:

• Regular breaks away from screens

• Healthy work boundaries

• Flexible working where possible

• Realistic workloads

• Taking annual leave

Mental health support is most effective when it’s embedded in everyday culture.

5. Involve leadership

When leaders actively participate, it sends a powerful message. Whether that’s joining a team challenge, speaking openly about wellbeing, or encouraging flexible working, visible support from the top makes a real difference.

6. Make it positive and inclusive

Mental Health Awareness Week doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be uplifting, energising and focused on connection.

Celebrating progress, encouraging kindness and doing something active together can help create a sense of belonging – one of the strongest protective factors for mental health.

Make it count

Marking Mental Health Awareness Week at work isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about showing your people that their wellbeing genuinely matters.

By combining open conversation, supportive leadership and inclusive activities like a Race At Your Pace challenge, you can turn awareness into action – and create momentum that lasts well beyond the week itself.

This year, take the opportunity to do something meaningful. Start small, involve your team, and focus on building a healthier, more supportive culture for everyone.