Ultimately, action can look different for everyone – for me, it is running. This is an activity that gets me in nature, helps me process emotions and to build my self-esteem.
For you, however, it might be reaching out to a friend, making time for a walk, joining a local activity, or creating spaces where people feel welcome, included and able to talk about how they’re really feeling.
Through our partnership with Sport England, we highlight how participating in physical activity, particularly with others, can be a powerful and practical action that people can take for their mental wellbeing and not just during MHAW, but all year round.
Connecting through physical activity
Local sports clubs, physical activity providers and community organisations are often trusted spaces, rooted in relationships and shared experiences.
That also makes them uniquely placed to notice when someone is struggling, able to offer connection and help by providing opportunities for people to build routine, confidence and a sense of belonging.
We know that many people face barriers to being active.
These could be related to cost, disability, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities or even experiences of exclusion and stigma.
But Sport England and its partner organisations are committed to inclusion and supporting people to overcome any challenges they face.
This could be by offering flexible, free or inexpensive sessions, non-competitive options, welcoming environments and a focus on enjoyment rather than performance.
When movement is framed as something supportive and human, rather than something to be achieved or perfected, more people can take part and benefit.
The evidence is clear that being physically active can support mental health, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and to improve mood and sleep.
But what we hear from communities again and again is that it’s the combination of movement and connection that really matters.
Showing up together, being greeted by name, or sharing progress or challenges are small gestures that can turn into powerful remedies against loneliness and isolation.
MHAW is also an opportunity for organisations to take action internally.
Coaches, volunteers and session leaders often play an informal but important role in people’s lives, so supporting them with training, resources and confidence to have conversations about mental health can help build safer and more compassionate spaces.
But encouraging rest, balance and wellbeing within organisations is just as important as supporting participants.
Supporting long-term positive change
This year, we’re asking people to think about how action can be sustained beyond a single week.
Taking action for our mental health isn’t about doing everything at once – it’s about making realistic changes that fit into everyday life.
That might mean protecting time to move regularly, checking in on someone who hasn’t been around for a while, or advocating for inclusive opportunities in your local area, because small actions taken consistently, can create meaningful change.
As we celebrate MHAW, we’re inviting sports and physical activity organisations to get involved, share what they’re doing and be proud of the role they play.
By amplifying these stories, we can the help more people see that support for mental health exists in many different places, including those they already trust and enjoy.
For individuals there’s no expectation to push harder or do more, because taking action might simply mean doing something gentle, sociable or familiar, so choose whatever helps you feel a little steadier, calmer or more connected.
Looking ahead, we’re proud of what this partnership with Sport England has achieved so far, and we’re motivated by what’s still possible.
Mental health challenges remain widespread and many people continue to navigate pressure, uncertainty and inequality.
By working across sectors and communities, we can help ensure that action on mental health is practical, inclusive and rooted in everyday life.
Together, we’ll continue to champion movement as one of many actions that can help protect and improve mental health, because when we move together, support one another and take action collectively, we can build healthier and more connected communities for all.
