Each year, the Mental Health Foundation encourages people to come together, and this year's theme 'action' is especially important. It asserts that while awareness matters it’s only the first step. We can experience real change when we take action for ourselves and for others - which can start with the most simple steps. It's a powerful reminder that even small steps can help us feel more hopeful and less powerless.
Small actions for you
Small actions like getting enough sleep, managing stress and eating well, can make a real difference to our overall wellbeing, with positive ripple effects across other areas of our lives. We can also tackle everyday barriers to wellbeing by trading them for healthier habits: swapping scrolling for strolling, saying “no” when we really need to, and replacing constant dashing around with moments of calm.
Action for others
As well as taking action to support our own mental health and wellbeing, it’s just as important that we look out for one another. Simple acts like checking in with friends and family, especially if you haven’t heard from them in a while, and showing kindness and compassion even in challenging moments, can make a real difference. By practising active listening, taking an interest in the people around us, and noticing the signs that someone may be struggling, we can all play a part.
Across our communities, more people than ever need mental health support. From early intervention and crisis care to community‑based programmes that reduce isolation, these services change lives every day. Our charity exists to support this vital work funding the extras that go beyond core provision and help people feel seen, supported and valued.
One way to take action is by supporting a mental health charity like Mersey Cares, helping to ensure these essential services can continue to make a meaningful difference for individuals, families and communities.
Small actions. Big impact.
- Fundraise – host a tea party, take on a personal challenge, or mark a birthday or milestone by raising money for mental health support. Check out our fundraising events and get involved!
- Donate – a one-off or regular donation helps us plan ahead and respond where the need is greatest.
- Get involved – take part in events, workplace challenges or awareness activities that bring people together.
- Start a conversation – talking openly about mental health reduces stigma and helps others feel less alone.
- Share our message – spreading the word helps more people understand how they can help - and as we are still a relatively young charity, word of mouth and putting the word out there is more valuable than you can imagine. You can sign up to our newsletter to keep in touch with our work.
How your support makes a difference
We support our specialist mental health and community services do more to fund enhanced support, projects, and services usually outside the scope of the NHS.
Offering specialist services in physical and mental health, learning disabilities and addictions services; your support will allow us to improve care and facilities for patients and communities across Cheshire and Merseyside, helping us to fund innovative projects and developments that can tackle health inequalities, challenge stigma and enable our specialist mental health and community services to do more.
Read more about what we've made possible: Small actions. Big impact. Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 :: Mersey Care Charity