Mental Health Awareness Week

A girl in a purple jumper writing a card

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 11 May 2026 to Sunday 17 May 2026. This is a crucial opportunity to have important conversations about mental health, reach out to people who are at risk and explore the intersections between disabilities and mental health.

What is Mental Health Awareness Week?

Mental Health Awareness Week is a week that happens every year in May. It is a time to think about the importance of good mental health, challenge misconceptions about mental health conditions and a time to reflect on how you can improve your own emotional wellbeing.

Why is Mental Health Awareness Week important to Family Fund?

We offer support to a range of families with individual needs and have seen first-hand the effect income insecurity and the emotional cost of caring responsibilities can have on mental health. At Family Fund, we want to support families raising seriously ill and disabled children so that they aren’t at a disadvantage that may harm their emotional wellbeing.

Many of the children and young people we support have mental health conditions. Disabled people are more likely to have a mental health issue compared to non-disabled individuals; this is with both hidden and visible disabilities. Our research in the Cost of caring report showed that as many as 28% of parents/carers reported their mental wellbeing as low enough to indicate clinical depression.

How can I look after my emotional wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week?

Making improvements to your mental wellbeing shouldn’t be hard (we have enough to be worrying about!).

Evidence suggests that there are five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. It’s all about facing in the right direction and trying to take one or two steps forward each day.

What are the five ways to wellbeing?

Connect

As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. Humans are naturally sociable creatures, but in the modern day it can be easy to become isolated. If you can, try to take some time every day to speak to a loved one, in person, over the phone or drop them message. If you feel like you have no one to talk to, or wish to talk to someone impartial, Contact a Family have a free listening ear service for one-to-one support for parent/carers looking for emotional support.

Be active

Getting some movement in your day is a great way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be strenuous or spending hours in the gym. Pop on some music and have a little dance, walk around the block or just get active doing some housework.

Take notice

You may have heard of mindfulness before. Simply put, it is the practice of paying more attention to the present moment. You can practice this by simply looking around your room and identifying things that you see, smell, hear, touch and taste.

Keep learning

Watching a YouTube video, listening to an audio book, or reading an article to gain more knowledge on a subject you’re interested in can do wonders to boost your mood. Sharing the knowledge you have learned can also be a big boost!

Give

Evidence suggests that acts of giving and kindness can provide a sense of reward, purpose and self-worth. Giving can come in many forms, like compliments or volunteering time to a good cause.

If you have some cash to spare, a donation to Family Fund can help a seriously ill or disabled child. What can make you feel better than that?

How can I support others during Mental Health Awareness Week?

Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to reach out to others who you think may be struggling. The old adage is true that a problem shared is a problem solved. So, it is a great time to have a catch up over a brew, take a peaceful walk together or simply just spend some time together.