Health and wellbeing
Walsall Council marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
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Walsall Council is marking Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 11 to 17 May, by encouraging residents to take simple, practical actions to support mental wellbeing.
This year’s national theme, ‘Take Action’, focuses on how small, everyday steps can help improve mental health, both individually and collectively.
Taking action for yourself can include choosing one positive step that supports mental health, such as taking time to pause, practising breathing or mindfulness, attending a local activity or seeking additional support when needed.
“ Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind people that mental health and wellbeing is part of everyday life, and that small, practical actions can make a real difference. Whether it’s staying connected with others, taking time for yourself or reaching out for support, these steps help build stronger, healthier communities across Walsall. If you or someone you know needs urgent help for their mental wellbeing, support is available. “
Residents are also encouraged to take action for others by checking in on neighbours and friends, reducing stigma through open and respectful conversations, and helping create welcoming and inclusive community spaces. Birmingham Mind, in partnership with Walsall Council, offers free mental health and suicide prevention training for anyone living or working in Walsall throughout the year.
Mental Health Awareness Week also highlights how workplaces, schools and community settings play an important role in supporting wellbeing, including promoting psychological safety, healthy ways of working and access to appropriate support.
The council continues to work with local partners to signpost residents to trusted mental health services, training, counselling and wellbeing support available in Walsall.
The Sanctuary Community Mental Health Service offers support for adults who want help with their mental health. Free counselling is also available through Mustard Seed CIC and Walsall Bereavement Support Service.
Walsall Talking Therapies supports people with depression and anxiety symptoms. Residents aged 16 or over and who are registered with a GP can access this service by making a self-referral online. Residents can also access SilverCloud’s supported Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme online.
Mental Health Awareness Week provides a shared opportunity to raise awareness, encourage help‑seeking and remind residents that support is available.
“ Our community in Walsall is full of different stories and different lives, but the same shared need for mental wellbeing is there - and we're proud to be able to offer support. Our Talking Therapies team offers free, confidential help for anyone aged 16 and over with no judgement and no requirement for a referral from your GP, just support that works around you.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, low or overwhelmed, therapy can make a real difference. This week is about starting conversations, and that includes talking about your mental health. Support is closer than you think, and you deserve it. “
Walsall residents can also download and complete a personal wellbeing plan to help them understand their wellbeing, make positive changes and look after their mental health. Download the plan from the Council website.
For more wellbeing support, visit the Walsall Council website.
If you need support when most services are closed, you can visit the Rethink Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich, Walsall. The hub is open outside usual service hours (weekdays 6pm to 11pm and weekends 12pm to 11pm). An appointment is not needed, and the service is free and confidential.
If you need urgent help for your mental wellbeing, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a trained professional or visit the NHS 111 website.
In an emergency or if you cannot keep yourself safe, dial 999 or go to A&E.
