What action will you take this Mental Health Awareness Week?
Posted on 11 May 2026
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, running from 11–17 May. The theme from the Mental Health Foundation is action. It speaks to the importance of taking steps that matter – for yourself, for someone else, for all of us.
At Southdown, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, well and connected, and supporting good mental health is central to everything we do.
What’s happening this week
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve been asking people across our network what action they take to support their own mental health – and each other’s.
Here are a few of their videos. Click to watch:
Watch this full playlist to find inspiration for every day action people take to support their mental health and also to support others’.
The responses have been honest and genuinely inspiring. Whether it’s a daily walk, calling a friend, or simply being kinder to themselves – people’s answers remind us that supporting mental health doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simple actions that can make a real difference
The Mental Health Foundation has shared some practical ideas to help you find what works for you. You don’t need to try them all – even one or two can make a difference. Find more at mentalhealth.org.uk.
Quick wins (things you can try today)
- Open your windows and let some fresh air and natural light in
- Head outside, even just for a short walk in a local park or green space
- Call or message a friend or family member for a catch-up
- Try a few minutes of mindful breathing to bring yourself back to the moment
- Drink a glass of water – staying hydrated genuinely lifts your mood
- Remind yourself of three things you’re grateful for today
- Be kind to yourself – you’re doing the best you can
Longer-term habits worth building
- Prioritise regular movement, a balanced diet and good sleep
- Stay connected with people who matter to you
- Learn something new – a recipe, a craft, a skill that gives you a sense of purpose
- Notice and reflect on your feelings, without judgement
- Set boundaries that protect your energy and your relationships
- Reach out for professional support if life starts to feel overwhelming
For more tips and resources, visit mentalhealth.org.uk
Accessing support
Taking action to support your mental health is important, and so is knowing where to turn when you need more help. Here are some free resources available to you.
How Are You Really Feeling?
If you’re not sure where to start, How Are You Really Feeling? is a good first step. It’s a Sussex-wide resource that helps adults find free, confidential mental health support, with clear signposting to local services based on how you’re feeling. You don’t need to know the right terminology or which services exist — just how you are right now.
Qwell – free online, anonymous support, any time
You can access free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support 24 hours a day through Qwell, UOK’s online support service. With Qwell you can read and watch helpful information, use tools like journaling and mood tracking, connect with others in moderated forums, message trained practitioners, and access live text chat support — all at a time that suits you.
UOK – Brighton and Hove and East Sussex
Qwell is part of the UOK – a mental health and wellbeing network in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex which brings together organisations to make it easier for people to find the support that’s right for them.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, UOK have put together a list of local football and sports groups in Brighton & Hove that help people improve wellbeing, confidence, fitness, and social connection. Read it here: https://www.uok.org.uk/news/item/find-support-get-active-stay-connected/
Find out more about UOK: uok.org.uk.
