Taking Action This Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 takes place from 11th – 17th May, serving as an important moment each year to promote understanding, compassion, and support around mental health. This year’s theme focuses on taking action—because while awareness is essential, meaningful change happens when we actively do something to support ourselves and others.
Over the years, society’s understanding of mental health has come a long way. Conversations that were once difficult are now more open, and the stigma has begun to lessen. However, we cannot afford to go backwards. There is still more that can be done to prevent people from becoming unwell. Whether it’s checking in on a colleague, starting a conversation, or prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, small actions can make a significant difference.
Turning Awareness into Action at Cornfields Day Nursery
This commitment to taking action is exactly what Cornfields Day Nursery demonstrated by investing in their team’s wellbeing. Recognising the challenges faced by early years professionals, the Nursery Manager arranged for staff to attend the Wellness Service’s Mental Health for You and Others course.
The decision was backed by evidence. According to the Connect Childcare Wellbeing Report (2024), 33% of early years staff rated their mental wellbeing below 5 out of 10, and nearly 68% rated it at 6 or below, highlighting moderate to poor wellbeing across the sector. Similarly, the NFER Early Years Workforce in England Report (2025) identifies stress and wellbeing as key risks to staff retention, particularly within group-based provision.
With these findings in mind, the nursery took proactive steps to support their workforce.
Inside the Mental Health Training
The Wellness Service delivered a three-hour training session to 17 members of staff, hosted at the nursery after working hours to ensure accessibility.
The course was split into two key sections:
1 Understanding Mental Health
The first part focused on building a foundation of knowledge, including:
- What mental health is and common perceptions
- The prevalence of mental health challenges locally and nationally
- Practical ways individuals can support their own wellbeing
- Coping strategies and simple breathing techniques
This section encouraged staff to reflect on their own mental health and provided them with tools to better manage stress and challenges.
2 Supporting Others
The second part shifted focus to supporting colleagues and others, covering:
- Signs that someone may be struggling
- How to approach and start difficult conversations
- Where to signpost people for further support
This part of the training was particularly valuable in empowering staff to look out for one another and take confident, compassionate action when needed.
Positive Impact and Feedback
The training was very well received by the Cornfields team, with staff highlighting both personal and professional benefits.
One participant shared:
“The best part was learning about different support available, validating that I’m not alone in my own struggles.”
Another added:
“I feel more confident in asking questions.”
These responses demonstrate the tangible impact of the training—helping staff feel supported in their own wellbeing while building confidence to support others.
Moving Forward
Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that awareness alone isn’t enough. Real progress happens when individuals and organisations take meaningful steps to create supportive environments.
Cornfields Day Nursery provides a powerful example of what taking action looks like in practice. By investing in staff wellbeing, they are not only supporting their team but also strengthening the quality of care they provide to children and families.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, consider what action you can take—no matter how small. Because together, those actions can create lasting change.
