Kate Thompson, Physical Education and Sport Subject Advisor

Mental Health Awareness Week returns this year from 11-17 May 2026. The Mental Health Foundation has made Action the central theme for 2026. It’s a call to move beyond simply understanding mental health issues and towards taking proactive steps to address them.

What is Mental Health Awareness Week?

Mental Health Awareness Week is a UK-wide initiative that takes place every May. It highlights the importance of good mental health, challenges stigma and promotes practical actions people can take to support their own wellbeing. From anxiety and stress to depression and burnout, mental health challenges touch many aspects of life. This week encourages honest conversations, early intervention, and the creation of compassionate spaces where people feel safe seeking support.

Taking action

In 2026, the message is clear: action matters. While awareness is essential, change truly happens when people commit to small, consistent steps that support their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them.

Below are just some of the ways that you may like to try doing something to help yourself or a friend or loved one.

Action for yourself

Everyone deals with the day to day and bigger/wider issues in a different way. For me it’s the act of ‘doing’. That could be physically being active, being outdoors, or completing odd jobs. I get a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day when I feel like I have ticked something off my to do list! 

Like everyone, I do have days when it’s all very hard and it would be easier to stay in and do nothing, but once I’m out and about and feel so much better for moving. You’ve probably all heard people say that the hardest part of exercising is getting ready. But lace up those shoes and take action. Here are some actions that don’t take much effort but you may find helpful. 

• Commit to one new positive habit. You could try journalling – writing down your thoughts, feelings, or experiences to help clear your head and process your feelings. Other options are practising mindfulness or trying a digital detox. 
• Take a short walk, an exercise class or some stretches. Even a small amount of movement can release tension and help calm anxious thoughts.
• Try and get outdoors every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Natural light can help support your body clock and improve your mood.
• Create daily moments of calm to manage stress and boost resilience.

Action for someone else

Many of us experience mental health problems at some time, so it’s likely that we will know someone who will struggle with their mental health. Here are some practical, everyday actions that you take to help others protect and improve their mental health. 

• Check in on a friend, colleague, or family member. Even just sending a message to say you are thinking of them can be helpful. Be consistent – regular contact can help build trust. 
• Offer a listening ear without judgement. Give the person your full attention and allow them to set the pace of the conversations. 
• Encourage open conversations in your social or work circles, and make talking about feelings and mental health part of normal communication. Open questions invite conversation without pressure.

Action for all of us

Individual actions matter, but they're only part of the story. There’s a lot we can all do to contribute to the wider picture. 

• Support organisations that advocate for better mental health services, such as Mind, the Mental Health Foundation and Young Minds. 
• Promote mentally healthy environments in your schools, communities, and workplaces. You can find guidance and useful resources on school wellbeing on both the UK government website and Mentally Healthy Schools.
• Raise awareness online using supportive, informative content. Sharing personal stories can be great for deeper understanding, but always prioritise your own wellbeing. Use hashtags such as #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. 
• Could you help to implement mental health programs, such as training mental health first-aiders, creating quiet spaces, or promoting wellness initiatives at work or school?

Find out more

There’s lots of support information online. Here’s just a few pointers: 

• See the Mental Health Foundation’s dedicated World Mental Health Week web page. 
• There is more advice available from the NHS including their five steps to mental wellbeing.
• Mind UK has lots of information about dealing with mental health problems and supporting others. 
• Mental Health at Work has relevant information and resources about mental health support in the workplace.

Stay connected

To contact Cambridge OCR, you can email us at support@ocr.org.uk or call us on 01223 553998. You can also sign up for subject emails to keep up-to-date with the latest news, updates and resources.

If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.

About the author

Kate joined Cambridge OCR in 2021 having taught for 18 years at primary and secondary school level. Within that time she held various positions including Head of Department and School Sports Coordinator. Kate took three years out of teaching to work in South Africa at a university sports department and to manage the set-up of a non-government sports development project, working in the local township schools.