London events
Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday 11 to Friday 15 May 2026
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Looking for simple ways to support your wellbeing? The York St John London Campus Mental Health Awareness Week is here to help.
Through this year’s theme, Every Action Counts, we’re focusing on the small meaningful steps that you can take to support your mental health. We’re inviting students and staff to explore different ways of improving wellbeing through music, movement, food and connection and discover what works best for you.
Scroll through our events below. Some events are for Students, some events are for Students and Staff, and some events are for Staff only. Please check the tags on each event for more information.
Monday 11 May
Mindfulness colouring Students
Take moment to slow down with our large mindfulness colouring activity. A simple way to relax, focus your mind and be creative.
Level 3 Social Space
Journaling Station Students
Visit the Phone Box to write down one commitment to your mental health or pick one from the box if you’re not sure where to start. Share ideas and learn from others throughout the week.
Level 3, near Student Hub Reception
Share Your Soundtrack Staff and Students
Music has the power to lift us, calm us and carry us through. What songs are on your feel-good playlist? Add a track that:
- Picks you up when you’re feeling low
- Gives you energy and motivation
- Helps you de-stress and unwind
- Makes you feel less alone
We’ll create a playlist and play it during lunchtimes throughout the week, on Levels 3 and 6.
Snacks and Stories Students
Share a recipe that means something to you. Add to our Mental Health Awareness Recipe Board by sharing a dish that brings comfort, connection or good memories. Recipes can be handwritten or shared via our online form.
Display of Optima Care Services Staff
Want to know how York St John can support your mental health? Have a look at the posters on display in the Staff Kitchen area.
Walk & Talk – Mindful Movement Break Staff
Take a simple, practical step for your wellbeing – moving your body, connecting with colleagues, and taking a break from the working day.
12.30pm to 1.30pm
Meet at Level 6 Reception
Tuesday 12 May
Mindfulness colouring Students
Take moment to slow down with our large mindfulness colouring activity. A simple way to relax, focus your mind and be creative.
Level 3 Social Space
Journaling Station Students
Visit the Phone Box to write down one commitment to your mental health or pick one from the box if you’re not sure where to start. Share ideas and learn from others throughout the week.
Level 3, near Student Hub Reception
Share Your Soundtrack Staff and Students
Music has the power to lift us, calm us and carry us through. What songs are on your feel-good playlist? Add a track that:
- Picks you up when you’re feeling low
- Gives you energy and motivation
- Helps you de-stress and unwind
- Makes you feel less alone
We’ll create a playlist and play it during lunchtimes throughout the week, on Levels 3 and 6.
Snacks and Stories Students
Share a recipe that means something to you. Add to our mental health awareness recipe board by sharing a dish that brings comfort, connection or good memories. Recipes can be handwritten or shared via our online form.
Snacks and Stories for staff Staff
Come hungry, come curious, and bring something to share as we gather for a recipe exchange.
1.00pm to 2.00pm
Level 6 Staff Kitchen
Display of Optima Care Services Staff
Want to know how York St John can support your mental health? Have a look at the posters on display in the Staff Kitchen area.
Wednesday 13 May
Mindfulness colouring Students
Take moment to slow down with our large mindfulness colouring activity. A simple way to relax, focus your mind and be creative.
Level 3 Social Space
Journaling Station Students
Visit the Phone Box to write down one commitment to your mental health or pick one from the box if you’re not sure where to start. Share ideas and learn from others throughout the week.
Share Your Soundtrack Staff and Students
Music has the power to lift us, calm us and carry us through. What songs are on your feel-good playlist? Add a track that:
- Picks you up when you’re feeling low
- Gives you energy and motivation
- Helps you de-stress and unwind
- Makes you feel less alone
We’ll create a playlist and play it during lunchtimes throughout the week, on Levels 3 and 6.
Snacks and Stories Students
Share a recipe that means something to you. Add to our mental health awareness recipe board by sharing a dish that brings comfort, connection or good memories. Recipes can be handwritten or shared via our online form.
Display of Optima Care Services Staff
Want to know how York St John can support your mental health? Have a look at the posters on display in the Staff Kitchen area.
Your Move – Dance Trend Students
Do you have a song or routine that makes you feel good? Sign up as a ‘Move Maker’ and teach a short 1 minute dance routine during the week. We’ll learn it together, film it, and share it on social media. No experience needed - just bring your energy.
Sip n’ Paint Staff
Put down the to-do list, pick up a paintbrush and come and create with us!
4.00pm to 7.00pm
Level 6
Thursday 14 May
Mindfulness colouring Students
Take moment to slow down with our large mindfulness colouring activity. A simple way to relax, focus your mind and be creative.
Level 3 Social Space
Journaling Station Students
Visit the Phone Box to write down one commitment to your mental health or pick one from the box if you’re not sure where to start. Share ideas and learn from others throughout the week.
Share Your Soundtrack Staff and Students
Music has the power to lift us, calm us and carry us through. What songs are on your feel-good playlist? Add a track that:
- Picks you up when you’re feeling low
- Gives you energy and motivation
- Helps you de-stress and unwind
- Makes you feel less alone
We’ll create a playlist and play it during lunchtimes throughout the week, on Levels 3 and 6.
Snacks and Stories Students
Share a recipe that means something to you. Add to our Mental Health Awareness Recipe Board by sharing a dish that brings comfort, connection or good memories. Recipes can be handwritten or shared via our online form.
Display of Optima Care Services Staff
Want to know how York St John can support your mental health? Have a look at the posters on display in the Staff Kitchen area.
YSJ Active Pop-up Students
Come along to the YSJ Active pop-up for quick, fun activities to get you moving and boost your mood. Drop in, take a break and join in with the chance to win prizes.
Level 3 Social Space
Breathe. Be still. Begin. Staff and Students
We're inviting you to pause and enjoy some meditation and breathwork. Join this guided session led by Kala Nidi-Dasa.
1.00pm to 2.00pm
LX311
Friday 15 May
Mindfulness colouring Students
Take moment to slow down with our large mindfulness colouring activity. A simple way to relax, focus your mind and be creative.
Level 3 Social Space
Journaling Station Students
Visit the Phone Box to write down one commitment to your mental health or pick one from the box if you’re not sure where to start. Share ideas and learn from others throughout the week.
Share Your Soundtrack Staff and Students
Music has the power to lift us, calm us and carry us through. What songs are on your feel-good playlist? Add a track that:
- Picks you up when you’re feeling low
- Gives you energy and motivation
- Helps you de-stress and unwind
- Makes you feel less alone
We’ll create a playlist and play it during lunchtimes throughout the week, on Levels 3 and 6.
Snacks and Stories Students
Share a recipe that means something to you. Add to our Mental Health Awareness Recipe Board by sharing a dish that brings comfort, connection or good memories. Recipes can be handwritten or shared via our online form.
Display of Optima Care Services Staff
Want to know how York St John can support your mental health? Have a look at the posters on display in the Staff Kitchen area.
Walk & Talk – Mindful Movement Break Staff
Take a simple, practical step for your wellbeing – moving your body, connecting with colleagues, and taking a break from the working day.
12.30pm to 1.30pm
Meet at Level 6 Reception
