Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, 11th to Sunday, 17th May.
This year, we’re focusing on the theme of taking action.
Sometimes, when we are feeling low or overwhelmed, the idea of “taking action” can seem like just another chore on an already exhausting list. We might feel that we don’t have the energy to do anything extra. But taking action doesn’t have to mean running a marathon or making a huge life change. Often, it is the small, steady steps that make the biggest difference to how we feel.
Why Helping Others Helps Us
There is a bit of a secret when it comes to wellbeing: helping other people is actually one of the best things we can do for ourselves. It can help us feel more connected and less lonely. Research shows that being kind and altruistic can even improve our physical health.
When we look after our own mental health, we aren’t being selfish. In fact, by keeping ourselves well, we have more energy and space to look out for the people we care about. You can read more about why looking after yourself helps others here.
Ways You Can Help Others
If you are looking for ways to support those around you, there are plenty of options in Somerset:
The Orange Button: This is a simple way to show people that you are comfortable having a conversation about suicide and that you know where to find help. It is about being a listening ear in your community.
Learn About Mental Health: If a friend or family member is struggling, it can be helpful to understand what they are going through. Rethink Mental Illness has excellent fact sheets on various conditions to help you feel more informed.
Peer Support: Sometimes the best help comes from someone who has “been there.” You can train to lead a peer support group or get support for an existing group through WATCH CIO.
Training Courses: Organisations like Spark Somerset and Mind in Somerset offer courses that can give you the skills to support others, whether in your workplace or your local neighbourhood.
Volunteering Opportunities: This is a fun way to improve mental health and wellbeing, connect with the local community, meet new people, learn new skills, and put life experience and knowledge to good use. Take a look at our current Open Mental Health volunteering roles.
Become an Expert by Experience: If you have your own journey with mental health services and recovery, you could use that knowledge to influence our decision-making. Last year, nine Experts by Experience put in over 1,700 hours across 19 different workstreams to make sure the voice of lived experience stays at the heart of what we do.
Ways to Help Yourself
Taking action for our own wellbeing is just as important as helping others. Here are some ways you can take a step toward looking after yourself:
Get Moving: SASP Health Walks are a happy and relaxed way to get some fresh air and meet new people without the pressure of a gym environment.
Connect Locally: Whether you live in Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, or Taunton and West Somerset, there is a local Open Mental Health team ready to help. You can also check the Balsam Centre timetable for details of what’s on in Wincanton or take a look at our list of free activities in Somerset.
Join a Group: Mind in Somerset runs recovery and wellbeing groups where you can talk to others in a safe space.
Tailored Support for Eating Disorders: If you find that your relationship with food is impacting your wellbeing, you can reach out to SWEDA. They support an average of 75 people every month, and the vast majority see a real improvement in their thoughts and behaviours after getting help.
Look at Ways to Promote Your Wellbeing: Check out our suggestions here or discover more about symptoms and conditions.
Learn New Skills: From managing your emotions to the various Talking Therapies courses, plus workshops from WATCH CIO, there are plenty of free ways to pick up tools for your mental health toolkit.
Read Our Guide: Take a look at our wellbeing kit for 2026 for practical tips from our partners on staying well and support options.
We Are Here for You
Taking action can simply mean asking for help. Getting the right support is a big step on the road to recovery. So one important action you might choose to take this Mental Health Awareness Week is to call Mindline Somerset. They can listen to what is on your mind and, if you like, put you in contact with your local Open Mental Health team. Just call 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.