This week marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation to highlight the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing.

Since 2001, Mental Health Awareness Week has grown into one of the most widely recognised public health campaigns in the UK, encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and helping people understand the small, everyday steps that support wellbeing.

Running from 11th-17th May 2026, this year’s theme – Take Action – is a reminder that while awareness matters, meaningful change comes from what we do. The Mental Health Foundation emphasises that action doesn’t need to be dramatic or perfect. It can be gentle, practical, and shaped around what feels manageable for each of us.

Our Mental Health Awareness Week Booklet

To mark the week, we’ve created a Mental Health Awareness Week Booklet, bringing together reflections from across the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme community.

From grounding routines to the importance of asking for help sooner rather than later, these reflections show that taking action doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s the small, consistent choices – stepping outside for fresh air, setting boundaries around work, checking in with someone you trust – that help us feel more steady.

These reflections also highlight something central to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme: that innovation and wellbeing are deeply connected. When people feel supported, they’re better able to create, collaborate, and drive change.

Download the booklet to explore the reflections in full:

Looking After Ourselves Beyond This Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is a moment of focus, but wellbeing is something we build over time. As we move through the year, let’s continue to make space for rest, connection, and support, for ourselves and for each other.

If you’d like to explore more guidance, resources, and wellbeing support, you’ll find further information here: nhscep.com/health-and-wellbeing