News & stories

May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is a national moment to talk about mental health, take action and support mental wellbeing. This year’s theme goes beyond awareness and encourages people to take action for mental health – for themselves, for others and for their community. Because positive mental health benefits everyone and is an important glue for a healthy society

Taking action for yourself

There are many things you can do that make a difference to your mental health. We all have different ways of looking after ourselves, and what works can change from day to day. But sometimes it’s about lowering expectations and starting small. You could try simple everyday things to reset mentally:

• Stepping outside for fresh air

• Sending a message to someone you trust

• Making time for something that brings you joy (watching your favourite movie, listening to music, practising gratitude or dancing around the kitchen)

• Get some exercise and move for your mental health.

Taking action for someone else

You don’t need to be an expert to check in with someone or to start a conversation about mental health.

Try these tips:

• Ask twice: “how are you?” is easy to brush off. “No really, how are you doing?” can open up a conversation
• Listen without fixing: sometimes just being listened to is enough and trying to “fix” the person isn’t helpful 
• Choose the right setting: somewhere free from interruptions is good or you could try talking while doing something, such as walking side by side or driving
• Share your own struggles: talking about times when you have struggled with your wellbeing can encourage others to open up about how they feel
• Check in regularly: make sure to check in with the person briefly again. A simple message can remind someone they matter.

Another way you can help is knowing where to go for help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Pathfinder West Sussex offers a range of support and general advice and there are other organisations in West Sussex that can help.