Western Trust urges community to ‘take action’ during Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

PICTURED ABOVE: Western Trust staff supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (11 May to 17 May 2026) from left to right are: Thomas Smith, Head of Service, Recovery and Supported Living (interim); Ellie Leonard, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Officer; Nadine Moore, Service Manager for Recovery; Jamie Wallace, Head of Service, Recovery; Colleen Harkin, Assistant Director Adult Mental Health Services; Sonia Campbell, Suicide Prevention and Emotional Health Equality,  Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Department; Kellie McGillaway, Service Manager, Crisis Service; Maranna Donaghey Head of Service Primary Care and Specialist Services; Karen O’Brien, Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services; Valerie Spencer, Service Manager, Day Care; Helena Morrison, Governance Lead; Adrian Donnelly, Service Manager, Adult Psychological Therapy Services and Nuala Campbell, Towards Zero Suicide Improvement Manager.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is calling on individuals, schools, and workplaces to turn awareness into meaningful change for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (May 11–17).

While awareness of mental health continues to grow, real progress is made when individuals, organisations and communities take positive action. This year, people across the Western Trust area are encouraged to take proactive steps for mental wellbeing under the mantra: For Yourself. For Someone Else. For All of Us.

There are many ways for individuals, schools, workplaces and communities to take part throughout Mental Health Awareness Week 2026:

• Access mental health resources available to support participation and promote positive mental wellbeing throughout the week
• Wear it Green Day – organise a green-themed event at school, in the workplace, or with family and friends to show solidarity and raise awareness
• Order and wear a green ribbon – a simple but powerful way to show your support for good mental health across society
• To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, our Health Improvement, Equality & Involvement Department is offering a range of free training courses throughout the month of May.

These sessions are open to all and focus on emotional health and wellbeing, providing practical knowledge and skills to support positive mental health in everyday life.

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Karen O’Brien, Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services at the Western Trust is encouraging everyone throughout the month of May to ‘Take Action’ for ourselves, for our families and for our communities, so that we can encourage and promote positive mental health.

Karen said: “Promoting positive mental health is everyone's business. It's equally important that we all take action. We can make changes in people's lives by doing maybe small things differently. This may involve encouraging ourselves to eat better, to walk a little more, to feel fitter, to talk a little more and more importantly, take some time for ourselves, some self-care. This can have a positive effect on our mental health.

“Our Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Department have a range of courses available, supporting emotional and mental health and wellbeing and I would encourage as many people as possible to avail of these.

“We have a range of mental health services available for those  who may be struggling with their mental health and our staff are committed to helping you and others on your recovery journey. You can find more information on this on our website.

“So today, I would ask you to take action. Take action for you, for your family and with your community and promote positive mental health.”

For further details, training information, or to access mental health resources, please contact: [email protected]. 

If you would like to learn more about mental health and wellbeing support in Northern Ireland, visit Minding Your Head, which provides information, advice and support, including guidance on what to do in a mental health crisis.

Zero Suicide Alliance also offer a short 20-minute online Suicide Awareness training session.