Mental Health Awareness Week: Taking Action for Carer Wellbeing 

6th May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s biggest annual mental health campaign, taking place this year from 11–17 May. The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging everyone to take Action — small, meaningful steps that help protect mental health and build supportive communities. 

For many carers, taking action can feel difficult when you’re balancing responsibilities, exhaustion or uncertainty. But small steps really do matter — and Carers Support is here to help make them possible. 

Why Mental Health Awareness Week matters for carers

Local data increasingly shows the strain unpaid carers experience and the emotional toll of managing someone else’s needs alongside your own. Many carers tell us they face persistent stress, anxiety, isolation and disrupted sleep — all of which can build up over time. 

Two recent pieces on our website explore this in more depth: 

• Depression and Anxiety in Carers – how caring responsibilities can intensify emotional strain and what support can help.  
• How to Manage Low Mood as a Carer – practical, gentle ideas for supporting your wellbeing during difficult periods.  

These articles may be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.

Support we offer during Mental Health Awareness Week — and all year round 

You don’t need to take action alone. Carers Support offers a range of services designed to support your emotional wellbeing, including: 

• Walk & Talk groups 
  Gentle, friendly outings that give carers space to breathe, talk and connect with others who understand. 
• Counselling 
  A supportive space to talk about stress, anxiety, overwhelm and the emotional impact of caring. 
• Peer and support groups 
  Regular groups across Bristol and South Gloucestershire where carers can meet others and share experiences. 
• Digital resources through Bridgit 
  A personalised wellbeing and support tool (for South Glos carers) covering stress management, coping strategies and local support. 
• One‑to‑one support 
  Our team is here to listen and guide you. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week, take one action for yourself 

Here are some gentle, achievable ideas: 

• Take a short walk — outside if possible, or indoors if that’s easier. 
• Reach out to someone you trust. 
• Read one of our wellbeing blogs. 
• Join a support group or Walk & Talk session. 
• Give yourself permission to rest — even for ten minutes. 

Small actions, repeated, make a real difference

Download the Mental Health Foundation's Tipsheets

The three tipsheets are here to support your mental health, with ideas you can actually use. From small, simple changes you can try straight away to longer‑term ways of looking after yourself, take what feels right for you. All their tips are evidence‑based and reviewed by experts.

• Top ten actions for good mental health
• Quick actions for a mental health boost
• Eight actions to improve mental health in the long-term

Want support? We’re here to help 

Contact CarersLine

CarersLine is a confidential phone and email information and support service for carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for you to ask questions or talk about any concerns about your caring role.

0117 965 2200
Mon to Fri: 10 am – 1 pm
Mon to Thurs: 2 pm – 4 pm
(Closed on Bank Holidays)

[email protected]

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Support is here, change is possible, and every small step you take can help build a steadier, healthier future.