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International and national mental health and wellbeing days

Supporting awareness, action and wellbeing across colleges

Throughout the year, a number of national and international campaigns help to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. These awareness days and campaigns provide valuable opportunities for colleges to start conversations, engage staff and students, and promote positive wellbeing practices across their communities.

This page brings together key dates relevant to the Further Education sector, outlining when they take place, what they focus on, and how colleges can get involved. Many of the organising bodies provide free resources, activities and campaign materials that can be adapted for use in college settings.

Whether you are planning a wellbeing programme, creating learner activities or supporting staff initiatives, these days can help structure meaningful engagement throughout the year.

April – Stress Awareness Month

Organised by: The Stress Management Society
Theme: #BeTheChange

Stress Awareness Month encourages individuals and organisations to recognise the impact of stress and take positive action to improve wellbeing. The campaign focuses on small, practical steps that can make a real difference to everyday mental health.

How colleges can get involved

  • Encourage staff and students to take personal wellbeing actions, such as reflection, self-care and mindfulness
  • Promote simple acts of kindness and peer support across campus
  • Share wellbeing stories or experiences internally or on social media using #BeTheChange
  • Run small activities or themed sessions that raise awareness of stress management
  • Use the free resources and guidance provided by the organisers.

Resources and information:
https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/

11–17 May 2026 – Mental Health Awareness Week

Organised by: Mental Health Foundation (supported by Mind)
Theme: Action

Mental Health Awareness Week is one of the UK’s most recognised mental health campaigns. It encourages organisations to move from awareness to action by creating practical opportunities to support mental health in everyday environments.

How colleges can get involved

  • Use downloadable wellbeing resources with staff teams or learners
  • Organise activities or events that encourage discussion and connection
  • Run fundraising or community-building activities using campaign packs
  • Share campaign materials across internal channels and social media
  • Use the week to highlight existing mental health support available within your college.

Resources and information:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

10 September 2026 – World Suicide Prevention Day

Organised by: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) & World Health Organization
Theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day aims to reduce stigma, encourage open conversation and promote understanding around suicide prevention. Colleges can use this day to reinforce supportive environments and signpost available help.

How colleges can get involved

  • Share campaign posters and awareness materials across campuses
  • Use template social media posts to raise awareness safely and responsibly
  • Organise awareness sessions or reflective activities
  • Promote support services and clear signposting for students and staff
  • Encourage compassionate, respectful conversations around mental health.

Resources and information:
https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

10 October 2026 – World Mental Health Day

Organised by: World Health Organization and global partners
Theme: Support in Humanitarian Crises

World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to highlight mental health as a global priority and to encourage understanding, inclusion and support.

Colleges may wish to use this day to:

  • Raise awareness of mental health in local and global contexts
  • Encourage discussion about wellbeing and resilience
  • Promote existing support services and wellbeing initiatives
  • Align activities with wider equality, inclusion and student support programmes.

Further information and campaign resources will be available from the World Health Organization as the date approaches.

Information:
https://www.who.int/world-mental-health-day

Using these days in your college planning

Many colleges find it helpful to map awareness days across the academic year to support:

  • Student induction and transition activities
  • Staff wellbeing programmes
  • Tutorial and enrichment sessions
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion themes
  • Student union and learner-led campaigns.

By linking activities to national and international campaigns, colleges can make use of established resources while contributing to wider conversations about mental health and wellbeing.