Get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week!
Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020 on the topic of kindness.
Download your free supporter pack (.pdf)
Who we are
The Mental Health Foundation works to prevent mental health problems.
We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.
The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business.
So, for one week each May, we campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Since our first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001, we’ve raised awareness of topics like body image, stress and relationships.
The campaign reaches millions of people every year. This year, with your support, we want to reach more people than ever.
Why kindness?
One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times.
We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope.
The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.
Beyond ourselves, our report reveals how inequality is rising in our society and its harmful effects on our health.
Life expectancy is falling for the poorest for the first time in 100 years. As child poverty rises, children and young people in the poorest parts of our country are two to three times more likely to experience poor mental health than those in the richest.
After the 2008 credit crunch it was the most vulnerable in our communities who experienced the severest consequences of austerity, with devastating effects on their mental and physical health. This not the hallmark of a kind society.
We must not make the same mistakes after this pandemic.
Find out more information on why we have chosen Kindness as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Join us 18-24 May 2020 to tell us why kindness matters to you.
How can I get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week?
Join in online
We want to get the nation talking about kindness and mental health. By joining us online, you can even reach people from around the world.
Download our graphics for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share with your friends and family.
Get your social media graphics
#KindnessMatters
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
You can also share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using the same hashtags above.
Along side our social media graphics, we have also created a #KindnessMatters GiF. Simply attach the GiF to your post (feed or stories) and share!
How to use our #KindnessMatters GiF on Instagram:
1. Open instagram and navigate to stories
2. Take/upload an image or video
3. Simply access the GiF function and search 'KindnessMatters' or 'Mentalhealthfoundation'
4. Select the animated GiF as shown below and post to your instagram story
You can tag us across social media – we would love to see what you get up to:
Facebook: @mentalhealthfoundation
Twitter: @mentalhealth
Instagram: @mentalhealthfoundation
Host a virtual fundraising event
We know this is a difficult time for many of you, with the spread of coronavirus impacting our lives in various ways.
With multiple events being either cancelled or postponed, here are some virtual fundraising ideas that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
1. Join our movement challenge during May
We are asking you to be active for 30 minutes a day using your acitivity calendar!
2. Hold a virtual quiz with family or friends
This is a great way to stay in touch with loved ones while raising money for mental health!
3. Create a Facebook fundraiser
Why not raise money through Facebook Donate during Mental Health Awareness Week?
We have more virtual fundraising ideas here: mentalhealth.org.uk/virtual-fundraising-ideas
We would also love to hear how your event went, as well as see any photos or videos. Send them through to [email protected]
Attend an online Mental Health Arts Festival
Our Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival will have a special programme of online activity beginning in May, including live-streamed events, film screenings and artist commissions.
Our festival aims to support the arts and challenge preconceived ideas about mental health.
Artists and audiences will also be exploring what kindness means to them.
Resources
Help us spread the word with posters and graphics! Simply download and share.
Donate
You can pay in your fundraising or support the Mental Health Foundation with a donation.