Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change
Saturday 10 October marks World Mental Health Day 2026, an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, challenge stigma and encourage open and supportive conversations in our workplaces and communities.
This year’s theme, ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’, highlights the importance of listening to people’s personal experiences of mental health.
Mental health affects us all, and our working lives can play an important part in our wellbeing. Creating supportive workplaces where people feel able to speak openly, be listened to and access support when they need it can make a real difference.
NIPSA’s Youth Committee and Health and Safety Committee are encouraging branches, workplaces and members to use World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to start conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
What can branches and workplaces do?
There are lots of simple ways to get involved:
- Host a Tea & Talk – bring colleagues together for a cup of tea and an informal conversation about mental health and wellbeing.
- Listen to lived experiences – create a safe and respectful space where those who feel comfortable can share their experiences and be heard.
- Review work-life boundaries – encourage healthy boundaries around working hours, emails and other work-related communications.
- Check in with colleagues – take time to ask someone how they are and, importantly, listen to their answer.
- Promote available support – remind colleagues about workplace wellbeing services, trade union support and other mental health resources.
- Organise a wellbeing activity – this could be a workshop, walk, mindfulness session or another activity that brings colleagues together.
Take time for yourself
World Mental Health Day is also an opportunity to think about your own mental health and wellbeing.
Everyone’s approach to self-care is different. You might find it helpful to:
- take a break from social media and the news;
- spend some time outdoors or get moving;
- practise mindfulness or meditation;
- make time for a hobby you enjoy;
- prioritise rest and sleep;
- talk to a friend, family member or colleague; or
- set healthy boundaries and give yourself permission to say no when you need to.
Small steps can make a difference, and looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.
Upcoming events:
- Mindful Making: Unwind Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
- Mindful Colouring Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
- Sahaja Yoga Meditate in Belfast - Free 10 Week Course Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
- Libraries NI invites people to make time for mindfulness with free online programme
- Libraries NI - Free Weekly Online Yoga Sessions in 2026 and 2027
- Libraries NI launches free online Pilates programme
Useful resources and support
- The Perfect Storm - Stress At Work: A NIPSA Guide
- NIPSA: A Guide to Dignity At Work
- World Mental Health Day | Mental Health Foundation
- Aware NI - Home
- Mental health | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website
- Anxiety | Minding Your Head
- World Mental Health Campaign - Feeling Anxious
This World Mental Health Day, take some time to check in with yourself and with those around you. A conversation, and taking the time to genuinely listen, can make a real difference.