Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 | Imperial College Union

You may or may not have heard, but May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

This annual campaign started in 1949 to educate the public, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health struggles. This year’s theme, “Taking Action,” presents us with the opportunity to reflect on what we, as individuals, can and should do to look after ourselves and the people around us. This year we’ve decided to host events that will allow staff and students to explore different wellbeing activities whilst pointing towards support and education resources available and highlighting preventative actions and techniques.

The Mental Health Network’s 2025 campaign, focused on community, included a colour run, creative writing and gardening workshops, and art and yoga sessions. Following on from last year’s success, we’ve got lots planned for 2026:

Library Stalls: in collaboration with ICU’s Advice Service, we will be visiting the South Kensington library and Charing Cross campus during exam season.
Journaling Workshops: the Mental Health Network will be running not one, but TWO journaling workshops on the 14th of May (15:00-17:00) and the 2nd of June (16:00-18:00). Materials provided (bring a journal if you have one!) and come along to discover why the “junk journal” trend is taking off.
ArtClub x MHAM: ArtClub are hosting a free Watercolour Painting session on the 6th of May at 18:00.
Preventing Burnout: Imperial’s Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service is running a workshop on preventing burnout on the 14th of May from 17:00-18:15 online.
Student Minds Fundraiser: Move Imperial will be hosting a stall with lots planned on the 12th of May from 9:30-13:30 at Imperial Main Reception (South Kensington) to support the Deputy Chief Property Officer, who is running a half-marathon and raising funds for Student Minds.
And more! Keep your eyes peeled for future announcements as more planning takes place…

All the events listed above are free to attend! Locations will be confirmed and sign-up links will be provided in due course! As mentioned, stay tuned for more information on future plans as we finalise details. To stay in touch and find relevant information, follow the Mental Health Network on Instagram and check ICU’s website and social media. Wishing you all a good exam season and hoping you are able to prioritise looking after yourselves!