Activate Learning celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

At Activate Learning, mental health is more than a conversation – it’s a commitment. 

Last year, we came together to celebrate the power of community, recognising that connection, belonging and shared experiences are vital to our wellbeing. Across our campuses, students and staff took part in wellbeing fairs, creative workshops, mindfulness sessions and community events that helped people feel supported and less alone. 

This year, we’re building on that momentum.

From community to action

In 2026, the theme is simple: Take Action. 

Because while community creates support, action creates change. 

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, with the aim to end the stigma surrounding mental health and spread awareness to the community.

Our campaign, #ActivateTakesAction, is about empowering every individual to take small, meaningful steps to improve their wellbeing – and support others to do the same. 

Throughout the week, we’ll be encouraging students, staff and families to commit to one action a day, inspired by Mind’s Five ways to wellbeing. This will help everyone take responsibility for their physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing. 

Take action this Mental Health Awareness Week  

This Mental Health Awareness Week, each day focuses on a different way to take action: 

Monday | Move   

Start the week by getting active. 

Movement plays a powerful role in improving mood, focus and overall wellbeing. Even small bursts of activity can make a difference. You can take action by: 

• Joining a campus walk or wellbeing activity  
• Exploring nature and green spaces  
• Trying a new form of exercise  

Last year’s activities encouraged people to come together – this year, we’re taking that energy and turning it into personal action. 

Tuesday | Connect

Strengthen your support network. 

In 2025, we saw the impact of connection – from wellbeing fairs to community partnerships that brought people together and reduced isolation. 

Now, it’s your turn to take action by:  

• Attending a campus coffee morning  
• Joining a club or Students’ Union activity  
• Spending quality time with friends

Throughout the week, there’s so many opportunities to connect with your peers – so please do get involved!

Wednesday | Speak up 

Your voice drives change. 

Mental Health Awareness Week has always been about breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations. 

This year, we’re turning those conversations into action. You can take action by: 

• Sharing your ideas on campus boards  
• Joining student and staff voice sessions  
• Joining the SU or becoming a student ambassador
• Telling us: What should we do next to improve wellbeing?  

See how your feedback shapes real change across Activate Learning and see how we continue to evolve our Mental Health Strategy.

Thursday | Rest   

Pause, recharge and recover. 

During busy periods – especially exams – rest is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing.  

Last year, many valued the chance to slow down and reflect and this year, we’re making rest an intentional action. You can take action by: 

• Visiting VR and immersive wellbeing spaces  
• Taking part in calming activities like drawing, pottery and reading 
• Prioritising sleep and relaxation  

Friday | Give back   

Support others and your community. 

Community was at the heart of 2025 – from charity partnerships to local events that brought people together. 

In 2026, we’re turning that outward. 

Take action by: 

• Volunteering your time  
• Supporting local community engagement initiatives  
• Taking part in campus-based activities  

Activities across the week at your campus 

Building on last year’s success, expect a vibrant programme of activity across all campuses: 

• Daily themed events and challenges  
• Wellbeing fairs and interactive sessions  
• Creative and mindful activities  
• MindGreen cycle challenge
• Opportunities to connect, reflect and take action  

Banbury and Bicester College 

 Each day, there will be daily mindfulness activities and an emotional regulation station in Reception as well as exam stress support sessions in the Wellbeing room, alongside:    

Monday 

• Samaritans Stand, 12–2:30pm in in Reception or Quad (weather dependant)

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm in Hall with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm
• Exam stress drop in session, 9–10:30am in Connect Zone
• Goat grooming, 1:30–2:30pm in Animal Unit
• Beauty bar, 11am–1pm in Quad by the Beauty Salon
• Art wellbeing session, 12:15–1:15pm in Hall

Bracknell and Wokingham College  

Monday 

• Fitness activity, 12–1:30pm in Recharge

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm in Quad with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm
• Sport in Mind, 12–1:30pm in Recharge
• Stepping Stones, 12:15–1:15pm in Recharge

Wednesday 

• Craft Sale and Making (Fundraising for MindGreen), 11:30–1pm in Recharge

Thursday 

• Kooth, 12–1:30pm in Recharge

Friday 

• Pets As Therapy, 9:30–11am in Room 217 (Care Suite Flat) 
• Dance, 12–1pm in Recharge

City of Oxford College and University Centre  

 Each day, there will be daily mindfulness activities around Reception alongside:    

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm on decking with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm
• Wellbeing Fair, 10am–1:30pm in Recharge 

The Leys College 

 Each day, there will be daily mindfulness activities around Reception alongside:    

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm on green outside Reception with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm

Wednesday 

Activities around Reception include:

• Wellbeing Fair
• Emotional Regulation Station with senses, 10am–1pm

Farnham College 

 Each day, there will be daily mindfulness activities in the Learning Environment alongside:    

Monday 

• Little Lifts treats, 8:30–9.15am in Reception
• Wellbeing, 8:45–9.30am and 12:30–1:30pm in Reception

Tuesday 

• Pets As Therapy, 12–1pm in Reception
• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm in Reception with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm

Wednesday 

• Film club, 3–5pm in 423
• VR ‘Redbull Soapbox’ cycle, 10:45am–1:15 pm in Learning Environment

Thursday 

• Themed VR in Learning Environment
• Samaritans stand, 12–1 in Reception area

Friday 

• Wellbeing stand, 8:45–9:30am and 12:30–1:30pm in Reception area

Guildford College 

 Each day, there will be a wellbeing stand with activities at the Old Reception alongside:    

Tuesday

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm at the front of college with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm

Wednesday 

• Morning boost (Tea/Coffee/Breakfast) and free build your own Wellness Kit, 9–10am with MindGreen by Old Reception
• Surrey Youth Commission and Samaritans, 12–1pm in The SU Room, G9

Thursday 

• Student Wellbeing Garden,  12–1pm, meet by Reception
• Muah Tai Workshop Taster (communicated directly with students)

Merrist Wood College and University Centre 

 Each day, there will be a wellbeing stand with activities at Reception:    

Monday 

• Morning boost (Tea/Coffee/Breakfast) and free build your own Wellness Kit, 9–10am with MindGreen at the Harris Centre and Norman Shaw Lobby
• Fitness Challenge, 12–1pm outside the Harris Centre

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm in Reception with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm
• Samaritans stand, 11:30am–12pm at the Norman Shaw Building and 12-1pm at the Harris Centre

Wednesday 

• Tortoise Greeting and Feeding, 11am–12:30pm outside the AMC Building

Friday 

• Surrey Youth Commission, 11.30am–1pm in The SU Room, G9

Reading College and University Centre 

 Each day, there will be daily ‘Actions’ cards at Reception alongside:    

Monday 

• Sports activities 12.30–2.30pm in Foyer

Tuesday 

• MindGreen Takes Action cycle challenge, 7am–7pm in Quad with additional activities, 10am–2.30pm
• Compass Recovery College from 12–1pm in The Restaurant
• FREE creative mindfulness workshops 
  • Painting workshop: create your own mindful greeting card from 10:30–11:30am in B18
  • Calligraphy workshop: breath led brush lettering from 2–3pm in B18

Wednesday 

• FREE creative mindfulness workshops 
  • Nature crafting: mindful makes from natural materials from 2–3pm in A17
  • Sashiko sewing: slow stitch meditation from 2–3pm  in B19

Thursday 

• Head/Arm massage from 1:30–3:30pm in The Salon
• Nails from 10am–12pm in The Salon
• Acupuncture in The Salon (timing TBC)

Support available at college  

We are here for you – during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. 

Support is always available at college through: 

• Student Support teams and wellbeing advisers  
• Safeguarding and counselling services – Email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk or call 01865 550401 (Monday-Thursday: 8:30am–5pm and Friday: 8:30am–4:30 pm.)
• Mental health first aiders and teaching staff  
• ALO Student Support Hub

You can also access external support, including: 

• Mind – a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.  
• Anxiety UK – a charity that supports those living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression.  
• YoungMinds – a charity that works to improve the mental health of young people in the UK.  
• NHS Every Mind Matters  – a great resource with lots of advice, tips and support for dealing with anxiety and anxious feelings 
• Samaritans –  offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. 
• Campaign Against Living Miserably  – standing together to show life is always worth living. 
• The Mix – UK’s leading support service for young people.  Here to help on any challenge – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. 
• Shout – UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. 

Other mental health and wellbeing resources

• BorrowBox – free digital library book service
• Listening to a Mindfulness vodcast 
• Clubs, communities and enrichment activities
• Supporting your exam success – resources, support and stress management

Our commitment   

Mental Health Awareness Week is just one part of our wider commitment. 

Through our Mental Health Strategy and Student Support Hub, we continue to make support more accessible, ensuring everyone knows where to go and how to get help when they need it. 

Get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week 

Last year showed us the power of community. This year, we turn that power into action. 

No action is too small – and every action matters. Share your journey on social media and tag #ActivateTakesAction 

Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive community – one action at a time.