Leeds Mind, your local mental health charity, is inviting people across the city to take action for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026.
Taking place 11th – 17th 2026, the week is a yearly opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote understanding and support for mental health.
This year’s theme is Take Action; something that Leeds Mind is always encouraging people to do. Whether you’re someone currently struggling with your mental health, or you know someone who is, even small actions can make us feel more hopeful.
Businesses also have a part to play. Use the week to take action on your wellbeing at work agenda, and see how you can introduce meaningful change that will have a ripple effect throughout your team and their communities.
Take Action in Leeds for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
There are many ways to take action during Mental Health Awareness Week, from getting support to making small changes that support your wellbeing.
Get support for you or someone else
Leeds has a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support available, including services from Leeds Mind:
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- Leeds Mind’s Counselling service
- Arts & Minds – the network promoting creativity for wellbeing
- Support with finding employment or staying in work with WorkPlace Leeds
- Mindful Making Social Craft Group for over 50s
- Free training on money and mental health
If you’re not sure what support would be right, contact Linking Leeds, the city-wide social prescribing service. Alternatively, Mindwell Leeds is the online guide for adult mental health and wellbeing support in Leeds.
Take a simple action for wellbeing
Getting support can feel like a big step. There are small actions you can take for wellbeing.
- Text, call or WhatsApp someone to say you’re thinking of them
- Go for a quick walk or wheel. If you find movement difficult, stretch in your chair
- Make a plan with someone you know. This could be meeting for a coffee or walk
- Take screen breaks, either at work or from your phone
- Do something that makes you feel good – if the sun’s out, sit on a park bench and feel the sun on your skin. Listen to your favourite song.
- Try mindfulness. There are lots of free videos on YouTube that offer a free, low-pressure way to give it a go. And remember it’s challenging for everyone to start with, but you can build it like a muscle!
For other ideas, explore the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
Support better mental health for all
One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is “give to others”, as research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating a sense of reward and purpose, and helps you connect with other people.
By supporting Leeds Mind during Mental Health Awareness Week, you’ll help us continue providing vital mental health support across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
You can support Leeds Mind by:
- Making a donation to Leeds Mind for Mental Health Awareness Week.
- Taking part in our fundraising events
What Leeds Businesses can do for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Leeds businesses can use Mental Health Awareness Week as a catalyst for positive change. Some ways to get involved include:
- Share simple wellbeing actions with your team (see above!)
- Support Leeds Mind as your Charity of the Year
- Book mental health and wellbeing training
- Work with WorkPlace Leeds on supporting people into work – email admin@workplaceleeds.org.uk to learn more
- Join the Leeds Mindful Employer Network or attend the conference on 20th May
- Attend the next Leeds Mind Business Connections event
- Take part in Leeds Mind events as a teambuilding day out
Connect with Leeds Mind during Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
The team will be out and about in the community at the following events. Come and say hi, and we can signpost you to advice and support.
- Marketplace event – Kirkgate Market
Wednesday 13th May, 10am–2pm
We’ll be joining Touchstone and Forum Central, alongside 25 other local service providers, at this marketplace event where you can find out more about health and wellbeing support across Leeds. - Awareness stall and wellbeing talk – Aire Park
Thursday 14th May, 11:30am–2pm
Get in touch with us by email at info@leedsmind.org.uk or give us a call on 0113 305 5800.
