Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 11 to 17 May 2026.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that focuses on supporting good mental health. It has become one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK and globally. Each year, the sets the theme and encourages other organisations to organise and host the week.
2026's theme is "Action". This focus encourages moving beyond awareness to taking practical steps for better mental health, aiming to foster positive change for oneself, others, and society.y.
The Talent and Culture team (Learning and Talent and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre) have collaborated with Move 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Chaplaincy to put together this selection of activities and other ways by which you can take action to support or improve your mental health.
We believe there is something here for all 51³Ô¹ÏÍø staff to focus on their mental health - not just for this week, but all year round.
Programme of events
10:00 - 10:45 - Menopause Network Drop-In Session -
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
A practice of Christian prayer and meditation around the themes of Action and Contemplation
13:00 - 14:00 - Christian meditation “Action and contemplation -
Location: Chaplaincy, Front Room &Online via Zoom
A practice of Christian prayer and meditation around the themes of Action and Contemplation
09:30 - 12:30 - Jane's Half Marathon (TBC) - No booking required
Location: Main Reception, South Kensington campus
Our very own Deputy Chief Property Officer will celebrate 20 years at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by completing a half-marathon with support from colleagues and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community. As part of the event, Jane will be fundraising for the Student Minds charity and giving out freebies to anyone who joins her.
10:30 - 12:30 - Discover Ginkgo Gardens at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø - No booking required
If you wish to receive a calendar invite, please .
Location: Perkins Square, White City North Campus
Join the Gingko Gardens team for a drop-in session to discover the horticultural work and green spaces they help create across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to the green space by sowing seeds!
13:00 - 14:00 - Being with the doing. Mindfulness meditation in everyday life -
Location: Chaplaincy, Front Room / Online via Zoom
A practice of Mindfulness meditation, with techniques and tips to take into our everyday life.
14:30 - 15:30 - Gardening Project -
Location: Chaplaincy Garden
Join us and meet a thriving community of Growers. We maintain and grow the garden through composting, mulching, pruning, seed sowing and wood workshops. Beginners welcome, there are tasks for everyone!
15:00 - 16:00 - Being with the doing. Mindfulness meditation in everyday life -
Location: White City
A practice of Mindfulness meditation, with techniques and tips to take into our everyday life.
12:00 - 14:30 - Stagg Beetle Loggery Workshop -
Location: Prince's Gardens, South Kensington
Join the Gardening team to build a stag beetle loggery. This session combines nature conservation, practical skills and teamwork.
13:00 - 14:00 - South Kensington Walking Tour -
Location: Meet at the Main Reception, South Kensington
Join Move and Iya London Walks for a short well-being walk in South Kensington, exploring the neighbourhood’s history, rooted in the Great Exhibition of 1851, and groundbreaking Victorian architecture.
13:00 - 14:00 - Pause, Breathe, Act: A Buddhist Chanting Practice for Calm & Clarity -
Location: Chaplaincy, Front Room / Online via Zoom
In this guided session, you’ll be introduced to Buddhist chanting as a therapeutic and calming practice - helping you settle anxious thoughts, ground your body, and reconnect with a sense of inner steadiness.
13:00 - 14:00 - White City Walking Tour -
Location: Meet outside Translation & Innovation Hub (I-Hub), White City (North Campus)
Join Move and Iya London Walks for a short well-being walk in White City, exploring two local green spaces, mainly via quiet routes, taking you away from traffic and introducing you to the history of White City.
Resources
Information to come