Reading Borough Council is encouraging residents to improve their emotional wellbeing by taking small, daily actions during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 11 May to 17 May 2026.
The campaign, aligned with the national Mental Health Foundation theme of Action, focuses on practical habits that help protect mental health before life becomes difficult. The council has suggested five simple activities that each take less than 30 minutes to complete: going outside for twenty minutes, learning a new recipe, speaking to a friend, volunteering in the community, and practising mindfulness by noticing the present moment.
Dr Matthew Pearce, the council’s Director of Public Health, noted that wellbeing is built through daily routines, conversations, and time spent outdoors rather than just reactive measures during tough times. He stated that these small steps quietly build a foundation for long-term health.
For those looking for further support, the council commissions Compass Recovery College. This free service is available to any resident over the age of 18 in Reading, including carers, and requires no formal diagnosis or GP referral to attend. The service, which features sessions co-produced with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges, saw 500 registrations in 2025, with 79.1 per cent of participants reporting that they developed new coping strategies.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a national reminder of the importance of preventative care, particularly as it is estimated that one in five adults in the UK experience a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards prevention-focused care, following the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England published in July 2025.
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