30/04/2026
We are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 which will take place from 11 to 17 May, with this year’s theme ‘Take Action’ highlighting the importance of turning awareness into meaningful change.
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 join the movement and take action to support good mental health: 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
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. Access the training brochure. 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.
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.”
Further Information and Support
For further details, training information, or to access mental health resources, please contact:
📧 health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net
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. Visit the Minding Your Head website.
Zero Suicide Alliance also offer a short 20‑minute online Suicide Awareness training session – access the training.
Training Courses Taking Part for Mental Health Awareness Week
Thriving Mind; Resources for Wellbeing | 5th May | 10am-12pm | Online | Register Here
Positive Intelligence | 12th May | 10am-1pm | Omagh Fire Station | Register Here
Self-Compassion | 12th May | 10am-1pm | Online | Register Here
Bend Don’t Break; Building our Resilience | 13th May | 10am-1pm | Online | Register Here
Mental Health First Aid (2-Day course) | 13th & 14th May | 9.30am-4.30pm | Fermanagh House, Enniskillen | Register Here
Take 5 Ambassador | 14th May | 11am-1pm | Oak Healthy Living Centre, Lisnaskea | Register Here
Making Our Nervous System Work For Us; Using the Polyvagal Theory | 19th May | 10am-1pm | Online | Register Here