Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 11 – 17 May 2026 and the theme this year is ‘Take Action,’ with the focus being on challenging individuals, schools, workplaces, families and policymakers to take action and implement positive changes that can help with mental health.
Whilst in previous years, The Mental Health Foundation has focused on creating open conversations to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health, this year’s campaign will encourage individuals to make small, sustainable changes. Whether this is an increase in physical activity or creating a mindful connection, or from accessing professional services to help; all of these small steps and changes can help to improve mental wellbeing.
Practical Habits for a Healthier Mind
The CCF is dedicated to supporting the lives of our young people and adult volunteers. We encourage everyone to get involved and take action in improving mental health - whether for yourself or to help a friend in need.
We share our top tips below on how you could take action and get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week:
- Go Green: 14 May is ‘Wear It Green Day’ which sees participants wear something green to show their support. It is a powerful way to show solidarity with the cause, with green being the international colour for mental health awareness, helping to represent hope, growth and renewal. Why not get the whole contingent involved? On 14 May, wear your combats and lead the way in starting positive discussions about mental wellbeing with your friends.
- Mindful Movements: Physical activity can be a natural mood booster and help to reduce and relieve anxiety and stress. Whether you take a jog or go for a walk, go on a bike ride with friends or get your contingent together for a game of Netball or Football, physical activities can really help to improve your mood and lift your spirits.
- The Social Check-In: Check in on your friends and family – a simple ‘hello’ can go a long way and spark a conversation with someone who just might need it at that moment.
- Mood Boosting Playlist: Create a playlist full of upbeat and uplifting songs – you could even collaborate with your fellow cadets, creating a list of songs that can help make everyone feel motivated.
- Shout Out to Your Friends! Create a jar of positivity within your contingent – every cadet and adult volunteer can get involved by leaving anonymous shout-outs and notes of positivity for others to read when they need a little boost.
If you’re still looking for inspiration, we recently spoke to Bridgwater College CCF cadets to see how they take action with their mental health. One cadet notes “I have been in the cadets for just over two years. Being in the CCF has helped my mental health – it has boosted my confidence and given me a supportive community to be a part of. I take action with my mental health through my love of walking and going on hikes.” Whilst another cadet spoke about how the CCF has given them a new sense of confidence, with the contingent helping to lift their spirits. “The CCF has given me confidence and taught me life lessons and skills. It’s enabled me to make friends and given me confidence within my own abilities. It’s given me the opportunity to build on my own knowledge and learn new things.”
Support When You Need It
The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA), is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the CCF community and provides mental health support to all of our cadets and adult volunteers. Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous mental health and wellbeing support platform. It is readily available to all cadets and can provide immediate access to therapists, councillors and online support. For our adult volunteers, Optima Health (previously known as Care First) provides 24/7 professional counselling (whether online or on the phone) as well as an app that can self-monitor health and encourage healthy behaviours. This service is available to all CCF adult volunteers and their immediate families, so that they have the support they need to thrive in both their professional and home life.
We hope that by taking part in Mental Health Awareness week, you are encouraged to find one small way to boost your own mental wellbeing or support someone you care about.