May 11: Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is dedicated to encouraging open conversations around mental wellbeing while promoting greater understanding, support and inclusion.
The campaign was launched in 2001 by Mental Health Foundation, a charity dedicated to mental health research, education, and support.
It was created in response to growing recognition that mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress were widespread but often misunderstood or stigmatized. This week aims to increase understanding of mental health issues, encourage early support and treatment, reduce discrimination and stigma, promote wellbeing and resilience and encourage community connection and open discussion.
Understanding Mental Wellbeing
Mental health affects everyone differently, and experiences can often be shaped by identity, culture, environment and personal circumstances.
For some individuals, barriers such as stigma, discrimination or lack of access to support can make conversations around mental wellbeing even more challenging.
Mental Health Awareness Week encourages more compassionate and inclusive approaches to wellbeing both within workplaces and wider communities.
Inclusion and Psychological Safety
Creating psychologically safe environments is an important part of inclusion.
When people feel able to speak openly, ask for support and be themselves without fear of judgement, workplaces and communities become healthier and more supportive for everyone.
Today also encourages organisations to consider how inclusive their wellbeing support truly is.
Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways workplaces can recognise the week:
Encourage open conversations around mental health
Share wellbeing resources and support information
Promote inclusive and supportive workplace practices
Host wellbeing workshops or discussions
Check in with colleagues and teams more intentionally
Why Awareness Matters
Mental Health Awareness Week helps normalise conversations that are often avoided or misunderstood.
By encouraging empathy, education and inclusion, today supports progress towards environments where wellbeing is prioritised and everyone feels supported.
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