Mental Health Awareness Week
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12th to 18th May 2025 and the theme is 'community'.
We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
How community benefits your mental health
Being part of a community can make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable, help us feel happier and safer, and improve our mental health. It can even provide protection from the emotional harm of discrimination.
Yet sometimes, although we’re all part of communities, we don’t always realise the benefits for our mental health. Luckily, there are lots of ways for us to get more involved in our communities and boost our mental health and wellbeing.
By making the most of the communities around us, we can strengthen our connections, find new opportunities, and even make new friends along the way.
Ten tips on how to get involved in your community
- Make it fun
- Get outdoors
- Find like-minded people
- Show kindness to others
- Show your appreciation
- Become part of an online community
- Volunteer or give to charity
- Care for your local community
- Welcome new members to your community
- Find peer support groups if your struggling
How to find a community near you:
- Check your local council website
- Contact community Facebook groups
- Search volunteering websites
- Ask at your local library
- Talk to your neighbours
- Check notices in local shops and cafés.
Mental Health Support Services
Samaritans: offer free emotional support 24/7. Call 116 123
Shout 85258: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support, 24/7.
CALM Helpline and webchat: Call the CALM Helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat.
The Mind Infoline: Call 0300 123 3393 to seek answers about mental health problems, where to get help and alternative treatments.
Ways you can get involved!
Wear it Green Day takes place on Thursday 15th May during Mental Health Awareness Week (12th - 18th May) – and let’s turn the world green for good mental health! If you can’t take part on this day, don’t worry, you can hold your Wear it Green Day at any time of the year.
Organise a Wear it Green Day in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health.
By going green, you can support Mental Health Foundation in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. They have all the resources you'll need to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school. Find out more here.
