Aware Mental Health Week 2026 campaign launches to promote mental health services and reduce stigma.

Running 5-11th October Aware Mental Health Week 2026, includes World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
Aware launched a dedicated campaign page on Monday 5th October with a rich mix of content to mark the occasion including

• A Video of Real Stories – which shares real stories from lived experience, on how people have used Aware’s education programmes and services as part of their mental health journey, encouraging those who need it, to take that step towards support.
• Aware Webinar – join us Wednesday 7th October from 12-1pm online for 'The Power of Lived Experience: Understanding Resilience and Mental Health'. Hosted by Dr. Susan Brannick Aware Clinical Director with Michael Ryan, Head of the National Office of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery at the HSE, alongside Jonathan Kemp, Author and Lived Experience Expert who is currently completely the final leg of his 4200km 'Finding Peace of Mind' Walking Challenge. Registration link here.
• Annual National Mental Health Survey – new findings released from 2026 Aware Survey commissioned through Amárach Research with insights from the Irish public on how we understand and support our mental health today. Find insights and the full Aware National Survey for 2026 published at aware.ie/national-survey-2026
• Galway In Person Event – later in October on Monday 19th at Galway’s Ardilaun Hotel from 7.30-9pm, join Aware for a free in-person event on ‘Resilience in Mental Health’ in conversation with Jonathan Kemp and Galway local Aware volunteer Jean O’Leary. Registration link here.
• October Mental Health Education Programmes Launch – the next phase of Aware’s free psycho educational programmes are opened for registration.
• Learn more about the broad range of free programmes and sign up here.

Other resources and information - such as articles on recognising the symptoms of depression and lived experience stories, as well as links to available Aware Services can all be found on the 2026 Aware Mental Health Week campaign here.
Aware remain committed to offering a wide range of free services including a range of educational programmes, therapy and support groups for free to adults across Ireland - and continue to encourage individuals to make informed choices for their mental health and seek help early.

Commenting on Aware Mental Health Week 2026, Dr. Susan Brannick, Aware Clinical Director and Senior Clinical Psychologist shares;
“At Aware, we recognise that everyone’s mental health journey is different, and that lived experience is a crucial source of expertise in shaping better services. Our 2026 survey shows that connection and sharing experiences are important ways people support their mental health - with 71% saying they confide in someone close to them. Yet financial pressures and stigma remain barriers for many. This Aware Mental Health Week, I’d like to remind those experiencing difficulties, beginning a conversation can be a powerful first step towards recovery.”

This Aware Mental Health Week corporate partners Butlers Café run a nationwide fundraising campaign on Tuesday 6th October where €1 from every coffee and hot chocolate bought on the day is donated in support of the continuation of Aware free supports and services, Swords Express are donating a percentage of fares during the week and Jeweller Stonechat continue to donate 10% of every purchase from their bespoke Stepping Stone range. We are grateful to all our funders from individual, community and corporate partners, which allow Aware’s free supports and services to continue.

Aware Clinical Director, Aware volunteers and people with Lived Experience of mental health challenges are available for interview (bios available on request).