We’re showing support for National Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

We are proud to be supporting National Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, encouraging open conversations and ensuring people know where to turn for support.

Throughout the week, we will be promoting both our internal Pro Counselling service for colleagues and our external Ongo Talk service for customers and the wider community.

A series of activities will run across the organisation to help raise awareness, build confidence and reduce stigma around mental health.

On Monday, clients are invited to take part in a Mental Health Bootcamp: Self-Confidence training session. Spaces are limited, offering an opportunity for focused, practical support to help build resilience and self-belief.

On Thursday, we will join the national Wear It Green Day, with colleagues across all sites encouraged to take part. A Level 1 Mental Health First Aid training course will also be held, with limited spaces available for those wanting to develop skills in recognising and responding to mental health concerns.

To mark the end of the week, Ongo is inviting colleagues, customers and members of the community to take part in a group walk on Friday 17 May.

Starting at 11am, the walk will take place at Central Park, beginning and ending outside The Cookie People hatch. It’s open to everyone and offers a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and show support for better mental health.

Teams from Ongo will be available throughout the walk to share information and guidance on employment and training opportunities, alongside Ongo Talk – Ongo’s confidential wellbeing and support service.

Each year, Ongo Talk supports hundreds of people, providing advice, counselling and guidance when it is needed most. The service plays a key role in encouraging early conversations and helping people get the right support at the right time.

Katie Williams, manager of the Ongo Talk team, said:
“Mental health affects everyone, and we know how important it is to make support visible, accessible and free from stigma.
“Through Ongo Talk we help people navigate challenges and access professional help in a way that feels safe and supportive. Events like this walk are a great way to bring people together, start conversations and remind our communities that they’re not alone.”

As a thank you to those taking part, The Cookie People will be offering a discount for all walkers, giving everyone the chance to relax, chat and enjoy a treat after the event.

Spending time outdoors and taking part in gentle exercise, such as walking, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Fresh air, movement and social interaction can help reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall wellbeing, making activities like this an important part of maintaining good mental health.

Ongo remains committed to supporting mental health across its communities and workplaces, not just during Mental Health Awareness Week, but throughout the year.

Everyone is encouraged to come along, get involved, start conversations and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

To find out more about Ongo Talk, head to: www.ongo.co.uk/supporting-you/other-support/ongotalk/

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week, visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk or www.mind.org.uk.