Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 11 to 17 May 2026, with this year’s theme focused on action.
Awareness is important, but this year’s theme encourages people, organisations and communities to think about what practical steps can be taken to support mental health and wellbeing.
In Leeds, Touchstone and Forum Central are hosting a Mental Health Awareness Week marketplace at Leeds Kirkgate Market. The event will bring together more than 25 support services from across Leeds and West Yorkshire, including services supporting marginalised and culturally diverse communities.
The marketplace is open to anyone who wants to learn more about mental health support in Leeds.
Mental Health Awareness Week Marketplace
Wednesday 13 May 2026
10am to 2pm
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Food Hall
Free to attend
Come along to meet local services, ask questions, pick up resources, and find out more about the support available across the city.
Find out more about the marketplace in this recent blog post.
Taking Action to Support Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation’s theme for this year is “action”. This is a reminder that there are many ways to support mental health, from small everyday steps to wider changes in workplaces, services and communities.
Free campaign resources are available from the Mental Health Foundation, including posters, social media graphics and tipsheets.
Training and Support in Leeds
Being You Leeds also offers free and funded mental health training for third-sector frontline workers and volunteers in Leeds. This includes SafeTALK, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, wellbeing courses and anti-stigma awareness sessions. The attached training calendar shows funded training running from March 2026 to March 2027, with courses including SafeTALK, ASIST and Mental Health First Aid.
Find out more about Being You Leeds mental health training here.
Mental Health at Work
Mental Health Awareness Week is also a useful moment for employers to think about what action looks like in the workplace.
Leeds Mind has shared a piece exploring this year’s theme through the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter, the Mindful Employer Charter and the Leeds Mindful Employer Network. It looks at how employers can move from awareness to practical, everyday support for staff wellbeing.
Read the Leeds Mind article here.
Keep the Conversation Going
Mental Health Awareness Week is one moment in the year, but the need for support continues beyond the campaign.
For VCSE organisations, this week is an opportunity to share information, connect people with local services, promote training, and consider what action can look like in everyday practice.
Whether that action is attending the marketplace, sharing resources, booking training, or reviewing workplace support, small steps can help build stronger, more supportive communities across Leeds.
