It’s a busy month for wellbeing with Mental Health Awareness week running 11-17th May as well as being National Walking Month and Bike Month.
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives. This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness week is “Take Action”. How you do that is up to you – we’ve included some ideas below:
Take action….for yourself:
What’s one change that could benefit your mental health? Could it be a lifestyle change like going to bed earlier, spending less time on your phone, getting outdoors, doing something creative? Or perhaps you’ve been meaning to seek support and could take action by booking an appointment?
Take action…for someone else:
Can you do something to support someone else? Maybe it’s something that can lighten the load for them like picking up some shopping, helping with kids or pets or giving your time to check in with an elderly relative or neighbour? Is there someone you’re worried about? The Mental Health Foundation have produced conversation guides which can help you find a place to start.
Take action…in the workplace:
Speak to colleagues about how you could ‘take action’ some ideas are: hosting walking meetings, mentally healthy workplace training, or taking part in Wear it Green Day (Thursday 14th May 2026)
Take action…socially:
Is there something you can get involved with in your community that helps you ‘take action’ on mental health? Maybe helping in a community garden, participating in a redd up or looking at volunteering opportunities? Fundraising for a mental health charity could be another way to ‘take action’ or you could share this blog post via social media.
We know that keeping active is one of the best things we can do to take action for our mental health so National Walking Month and Bike Month feel perfectly timed.
What’s on in Shetland in May?
We have pulled together a calendar of activities to highlight what’s on throughout May. Click the ‘download’ button below to view more information about each event. If you would like further information about any of the activities just get in touch with us at info@healthyshetland.com.
