Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 11th – 17th May 2026. This year’s theme is Take Action, because while raising awareness is vital, real change comes when we act on it.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation, bringing together organisations across the UK to highlight the importance of mental health and encourage open, honest conversations. Each year focuses on a different theme, and this year, the call is to move beyond conversation and into meaningful action.
Practical tips to support your mental health
Small, consistent habits can make a real difference:
- Talk to someone – whether a friend, colleague, or one of our Mental Health First Aiders, sharing how you feel matters.
- Get outside – even a short walk can lift your mood and reduce stress.
- Set boundaries – it’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to switch off at the end of the day.
- Sleep well – rest is not a luxury; it’s essential.
- Be kind to yourself – notice how you speak to yourself and treat yourself with the same compassion you’d show a friend.
Our Mental Health First Aiders
At Potter Raper, we have a dedicated team of trained Mental Health First Aiders, colleagues who are there to listen without judgment, offer support, and help connect people with the right resources.
Here’s what a couple of them shared about why they chose to take on this role:
“I chose to become a Mental Health First Aider because of my own experiences and my understanding of how much the right support can matter at the right time. I wanted to use that experience to help create a workplace where people feel heard, supported and never like they have to struggle on their own.” William Armstrong
“I am a strong advocate for mental health both inside and outside the workplace. Being a Mental Health First Aider allows me to provide people with a safe space to talk openly and privately, regardless of the issue. It gives me great joy to help in any way I can, whether through a non-judgmental conversation or by guiding someone toward other resources to support their mental wellbeing.” Kayhan Rasit
Our full team of Mental Health First Aiders includes: Fatih Gok, Nicola Tilbury, Danni Lethbridge, Jo Humphrey, William Armstrong, Kayhan Rasit, Jo October, and Peter Darby.
Our commitment to wellbeing
As an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) company, our commitment to our people goes beyond the day job. Supporting wellbeing, mentally, professionally, and personally is central to how we operate. If you’d like to know more about life at Potter Raper, visit our careers page – https://potterraper.co.uk/careers/
