Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026) is action. Awareness about mental health is not enough on its own; we also need to turn this into action, whether that’s big or small. It could be something you do for yourself, for someone else or for all of us. Read more about why we need action for good mental health.

We will also be highlighting the incredible work of some of our mental health colleagues and the difference they make every day in supporting people’s mental wellbeing.

Further down this article, you’ll find more information about getting support for your or someone else’s mental health.

Meet Cat, Peer Support Worker

“I work as a peer support worker with the Adult Eating Disorder Intervention Team in Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

I use my own lived experience to support people who are coming into treatment, as well as to support the team I work with.

One of the best parts of my job is being able to walk alongside people as they take those early, brave steps in recovery. It’s also really rewarding to be part of a team that values my contributions and encourages me to share my experiences, helping us better understand and shape the care we provide.”

Meet Rhianedd, Acting Team Lead

“Hi, I’m Rhianedd and I’m the Acting Team Lead for the Older Adults Mental Health Liaison Service in Bridgend.

I work with a small team that I’m incredibly proud of, including mental health nurses, specialist healthcare support workers, advanced clinical practitioners, a speciality psychiatrist and consultant psychiatrist.

We’re often the first point of contact for older adults and see ourselves as a safety net, offering support to people with any mental health concerns. We work with older adults who are in hospital or attending the Emergency Department at the Princess of Wales Hospital, and we also support care homes across the Bridgend area.

What I love most about my role is supporting older adults with a range of mental health needs. Whether someone is living with Dementia or facing other challenges, I value being able to take the time to understand them fully and offer personalised support that focuses on the whole person.”

Meet Kathryn, Clinical and Development Lead

“My name is Kathryn Rich, and I am the Clinical and Development Lead for NHS 111 Press 2, for urgent mental health services. I feel incredibly privileged to be in a role where I can support people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives.

What means the most to me is being there for others – whether that’s the individuals who reach out in crisis, or the staff I work alongside every day. Supporting my team through both the highs and the lows is something I truly value. I want them to feel heard, supported, and confident in the work they do.

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the difference that care and compassion can make. Hearing from individuals who are recovering and moving forward in their lives is deeply moving, and it reminds me every day why this work matters so much.”

Meet Joanne, Wellbeing Practitioner

“My name is Joanne Hollyman, and I am a Wellbeing Practitioner within the NHS 111 Press 2 Urgent Mental Health Service.

My role involves supporting people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. This can include listening to the person’s concerns, and helping them find the right support at the right time.

The role can be very challenging, but it is also extremely rewarding. I love my job because I have the opportunity to make a real difference to an individual’s life and support them at a time when they need help most.”

Support for your mental health

We recognise that physical health and mental health are closely linked, and that ongoing health concerns can have a real impact on how we feel emotionally.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are affecting your wellbeing, you may find our Waiting Well information helpful, with practical guidance to support your emotional wellbeing while you’re waiting for care.

Read general information about staying well while you wait.

Child and adolescent mental health support

Information for those under the age of 18 can be found on our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service pages.

Adult mental health support

Our Mental Health Service provides a range of primary, community and inpatient services for adults and older adults across Bridgend County Borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil.

Read more information about accessing support and self-help resources, including our refreshed page with mental health helplines, organisations and charities to support mental health and wellbeing.

Urgent but not life-threatening mental health and wellbeing support

You can call NHS 111 and select option 2 if you or someone you know needs urgent mental health and wellbeing support and advice, but it's not life threatening.

The service is available for people of all ages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure those in need of support can access it when they need it most.

Mental Health 111 (press 2) is free to call, from a mobile (even when the caller has no credit left) or from a landline.

You will be supported by a trained mental health professional in your area.

In life threatening situations, the advice is always to call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.

14/05/2026