World Mental Health Day 2026

World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October 2026 and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, challenge stigma and encourage people to talk openly about their wellbeing.

This year’s theme, ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,’ highlights the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health difficulties and ensuring their voices are included in decisions about mental health services, support and policy.

Employers and leaders have a duty of care to support the health, safety and wellbeing of their workers – including recognising when someone may be struggling, encouraging conversations about mental health and putting effective support in place.

IIRSM has a wide range of resources for organisations interested in learning more:

Wales Branch meeting – Counting the cost of stress in the workplace

Webinar – Bringing a holistic approach to psychosocial risk management

Workplace Options suicide prevention resource

Nigeria Branch meeting – Mental health, psychosocial risks and workplace wellbeing

The Risk Communication Series: Wellbeing webinar

The Sentinel, October 2025 – Changing the narrative on suicide prevention

The Sentinel, August 2025 – Marsh explores the role of psychosocial safety in the workplace

BS 30480: Suicide and the Workplace

Workplace Options’ Psychological Safety: A Toolkit for Suicide Prevention at Work

North West Branch meeting – Suicide prevention and the development of BS 30480

The Sentinel, October 2024 – Prioritising mental health in the workplace

The Sentinel, October 2024 – Employee engagement for workplace wellbeing

OSH Alliance white paper – Prioritising mental health in the workplace

West Midlands Branch meeting – Mental health and ergonomics in the workplace

Wales Branch meeting – Improving mental health in the workplace

East Midlands Branch meeting – Shining a light on mental health: A survivor’s perspective on suicide causation and prevention

IAMH article: Top tips for supporting your team’s mental health at work

Workplace mental health strategies for OSH professionals

Webinar: How to address mental health risk in your management system

HSE guidance: suicide prevention