World Mental Health Day 2026

Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The theme for 2026, set by the World Federation of Mental Health, is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change". The theme focuses on listening to people with lived experience of mental health challenges and ensuring their voices influence services, support, and wider understanding of mental health.

World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.

This year, Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies will be hosting our popular Mental Health Awareness Training session, which you can sign up for now.

We’d love for you to join us as we celebrate the day and work together to raise awareness.

Mental Health Awareness Training (online)

Monday 12th October: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Our free online Mental Health Awareness Training workshop raises awareness of common mental health problems and provides tools and techniques to support colleagues struggling with pressures at work, service users navigating challenging lives, friends, and family. Improving your understanding of mental health difficulties could benefit many people around you.

This brief overview session identifies key contributors to mental health challenges, signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties, and ways in which you can open sensitive conversations, develop a plan of action, and build trust. The webinar includes information about NHS Talking Therapies and how to support others to engage more closely with the local mental health team. 

Click here to secure your free place to the Mental Health Awareness Training session.

Out and About in your local community

Meet our Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Teams and discover how we can support your mental wellbeing. Join us during the week of World Mental Health Day for information, resources, and a friendly chat.

We're here to help you prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.

Monday 5th October:

  • Seasonal Self-Care Workshop at Stevenage Central Library “Tea and Chat” sessions, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Wednesday 7th October:

  • East Herts Family Centre Service - Baby Fair, Hertford Selections Family Centre, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Thursday 8th October:

  • Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, 9:00am - 3:00pm
  • Age well Fair, Witham Public Hall, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Come say hello!

New Podcast: Let's Open Up

Looking for practical mental health information and real-life experiences? Tune in to 'Let's Open Up', our new mental health podcast.

The podcast explores mental health through honest conversations with people who have lived experience, mental health professionals and guest contributors. Topics include what therapy is really like, neurodiversity, perinatal mental health, living with long-term physical health conditions and emotional wellbeing.

Whether you're accessing support yourself, supporting a loved one, working in healthcare, or simply interested in mental health and wellbeing, Let's Open Up offers accessible, informative and engaging discussions designed to encourage open conversations about mental health. New episodes will be released every fortnight.

Follow 'Let's Open Up' on your preferred podcast platform:

Let's Open Up Podcast