Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – Campaign Overview

Theme: Community Why is community important for our mental health and wellbeing? | Mental Health Foundation

Dates: 12–16 May 2025

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on the power of community—how small acts of connection, kindness, community, and support can make a big difference.

​Community has a crucial role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Strong social connections contribute to increased happiness, better physical health, and longer life expectancy. Communities offer a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose, and provide support during challenging times. Communities can be diverse, encompassing geographical areas, shared interests, or cultural identities. However, not all communities are beneficial; those that promote negativity or discrimination can harm mental health.

Across the week, we’ll highlight practical ways to connect and support each other, look after our mental wellbeing and celebrate and foster supportive communities. ​

Weekly Activity Plan – At a Glance

Monday 12 May – MHAW Kickoff

• Message Focus: “The power of community”

• Launch MHAW with a message from Paul Lonsdale – Delivery Director @one (GMHA / ELT)

• Connection through our Communities

• Share resources – Values / SED moment – Team Talk / TBT

• Linkedin Article 

• Example for community shares Home - MindSpace Stamford

• https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/ - Local information and what is on in your area

Tuesday 13 May – Creative Therapy Session with Kate Housley

• Message Focus: “People, Places and Things – using creativity to look at our connections”

• Live creative therapy session led by Kate Housley (I am a BACP accredited therapist)

• Explore self-expression through art and journaling – “Take an hour just for you in this gentle, guided creative session. Using simple drawing and journaling prompts, you’ll explore the people, places, and things that are present in your inner world right now. There’s no need to share anything—this is your space for quiet self-reflection, insight, and creative expression. No artistic skill required—just bring paper, a pen, and whatever else helps you feel at ease”.

• follow-up resources for personal reflection & further support signposting if anything ‘comes up’ during the session.

Wednesday 14 May – Donation Day & Giving Back to Community

• Message Focus: “Generosity builds resilience”

• Donation drive for local charities supporting mental health – local charities to site or charity that has meaning to ‘their community’

• Stats and insights on how giving & volunteering supports wellbeing

Thursday 15 May – Mindfulness Moment

• Message Focus: “Taking a moment matters”

• online mindfulness session (Delivered by Abbie Church – Wellbeing Coordinator SPA)

• tips for integrating mindfulness into the workday

Friday 16 May – Film Premiere & Support Signposting

• Message Focus: “Every number has a story”

• Short film: “1 to 18”

• Film concludes with signposting to internal and national support services

• Invite personal reflection, encourage peer conversations, and promote help-seeking