This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on Action, encouraging us to move beyond awareness and towards doing. Because positive change doesn’t always come from big gestures — more often, it’s the small, thoughtful actions that truly make a difference.
That belief sits at the very heart of our charity.
We exist to fund the extras — the additions to clinical care that may seem small, but go on to have a powerful and lasting impact on the people we support. These actions help enhance care, improve experiences and support recovery in ways that truly matter to patients, families and staff.
For families affected by dementia, this might mean funding resources for a dementia library, giving Admiral Nurses additional avenues to support families — sometimes alongside medication, and sometimes instead of it. These resources help families feel more informed, reassured and supported during incredibly challenging times.
For children and young people accessing Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services, providing art project materials creates space for creativity and self‑expression. These projects enable young people to showcase their work, feel proud of what they’ve achieved and build confidence and self‑esteem — benefits that can extend far beyond the session itself.
We also support young mothers accessing perinatal services by providing resources and accessories that encourage them to go out on walks, socialise and build stronger networks with other mums facing similar experiences. These small actions help reduce isolation, build confidence and support wellbeing at a crucial time.
Across services, we fund gardening groups that support recovery, connection and routine, and cookery sessions that encourage healthier choices while boosting confidence and independence. These activities don’t just support physical health — they help people regain a sense of purpose and control over their lives.
Our impact extends into creating welcoming environments too. We’ve helped transform gardens for patients and staff, offering calm, restorative spaces to pause and recoup. We support early-onset dementia groups and community activities such as badminton, alongside newer initiatives like Talk and Boxing sessions, which combine physical activity with conversation to support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about projects in development — from pet therapy and gym sessions for Mersey Care staff, to the creation of The Fern Arms pub and a retro hairdressing salon at Leigh Moss Hospital. Designed to support people living with dementia, these familiar, comforting spaces aim to spark memories, conversation and connection.
All of this work supports our NHS staff alongside the incredible care they already provide — helping them enhance patient care and support families in ways that are personal and meaningful, and above and beyond expectation.
Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be big to be impactful. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures — a resource, a space, a moment of connection — that make people feel valued, supported and understood.
And that’s how we help change lives — one thoughtful extra at a time.