Mental Health Awareness Week at CWP Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS)
Publish date: 15 May 2026
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign that takes place every year in May. It is organised by The Mental Health Foundation. This year it takes place 11-17 May 2026. It highlights the importance of good mental health, challenges stigma, and promotes practical actions people can take to support their own wellbeing. It’s one of the most high-profile public health campaigns in the UK, reaching millions of people through media, workplaces, schools, and community events.
West Cheshire Learning Disability
CAMHS for Wear It Green day
In Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), our teams get involved by spreading awareness across our online platforms and sharing useful information in our waiting rooms. This year’s theme is Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us. They understand that while awareness is vital, real change comes when we take action too.
What you’ve said
This week, we asked our young people and staff about their thoughts in response to this year's theme. You can see the responses that they’ve kindly shared on our Instagram and Facebook. You can check out what they do for themselves, others, and all of us for better mental health.
One of our young people who is currently receiving help from our services has written about their experience, and what has helped them, especially for this week:
My experience in Ancora House
Hi, I am a young person currently in Ancora House. I couldn’t manage in the community; it was scary to be told I needed to come into hospital. When I came in, I had a tour around and the staff introduced me to everyone, the young people were really welcoming.
I have found it overwhelming with all my thoughts and feelings, but I have a lot of help here, psychology help with the coping skills and everyday psychology groups, OT have helped with my self-care routine, and I love going to see the rabbits. The participation worker listens to me and supports me on the ward, and the nursing staff distract me playing games. My consultant has supported me with medication to help my mood.
Ancora House's two rabbits,
Fergus and Willow
I had never met the fitness team before and because of my autism I didn’t think I would like it, but they got me engaged bit by bit and I had a go at boxing. I am really enjoying the boxing as it is a nice way to get my emotions out in a safe way.
A few other things which have helped me include holding ice, I had never done this before but when I am feeling overwhelmed and hot it helps shut down your nervous system and this helps me when my emotions are heightened. I do things for self soothe I have a shower, drink hot chocolate, sit in the fresh air, play games and seeing the rabbits makes me feel calm, I also use DBT skills I have learnt in psychology.
I will carry on using these skills when I am experiencing intense emotions and want to thank everyone for their support.
I hope you can try some of these things and find some good ideas to self soothe too, as it really makes a difference 😊
What our teams have been doing
Our teams presented at Cheshire West
and Chester's Parent Carer Forum
This week, our CYPMHS teams attending the Cheshire West and Chester Parent and Carer Forum. This day was about Education, Inclusion, and Mental Health. Representatives from the care group, Participation and Engagement, and our Cheshire West Learning Disability Team, MHST, and 0-18 teams attended to share information about our local services and the MyMind website.
Our teams have also been rocking a lot of green for Wear It Green Day which is a part of Mental Health Awareness Week, raising awareness about mental health and this year’s theme.
In Ancora House, our young people have been getting involved in lots of activities for Mental Health Awareness Week. Indigo Ward have been baking, Coral Ward have been gardening in the courtyard, and Sapphire Ward made positive heart boards – asking our managers to join in as well.
TA, Ward Manager for
Indigo Ward, before presenting
Ward Manager for Indigo Ward also presented to primary school children in Ellesmere Port for Mental Health Awareness Week and International Nurses Day that was on Tuesday 12th May 2026.
We’d like to thank all our young people and teams for getting involved!
