Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 runs from 12–18 May, and this year's theme from the Mental Health Foundation is Community. It's a timely reminder that wellbeing at work isn't just a nice-to-have — it's a legal responsibility and a business imperative.
At Livius Training, we work with businesses across Yorkshire every week. And one thing we consistently see is that when mental health is ignored, physical safety suffers too. The two are inseparable.
The UK Mental Health at Work Picture
The numbers are stark. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- Over 17 million working days were lost to work-related stress, anxiety and depression in 2023/24
- Mental ill health accounts for over half of all work-related illness in the UK
- Stress, depression and anxiety are the number one cause of long-term sickness absence
These aren't just HR statistics — they affect safety on the job. A stressed or exhausted worker is far more likely to miss a hazard, skip a procedure, or have an accident.
What UK Law Says About Employer Responsibilities
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to assess and manage risks to mental health — just as they would for physical hazards.
This means:
- Conducting risk assessments that include stress and psychosocial hazards
- Taking reasonable steps to reduce workload, role ambiguity, and conflict
- Providing access to support, such as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Training managers to recognise signs of mental distress and respond appropriately
The Role of Mental Health First Aid Training
One of the most impactful steps a business can take is training employees as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders®). Just like a physical first aider can respond to a broken arm, a Mental Health First Aider can offer initial support to a colleague in crisis — and signpost them to professional help.
Our Mental Health First Aid courses are delivered by qualified instructors and cover:
- Recognising signs of common mental health conditions including depression and anxiety
- How to start a supportive conversation without making things worse
- Suicide awareness and first aid response
- Self-care and resilience for the first aider themselves
Small Actions That Make a Big Difference
You don't need to overhaul your entire culture overnight. Here are five practical things any UK employer can start this week:
- Have a conversation. Ask your team genuinely how they're doing — and mean it.
- Review workloads. Chronic overload is one of the biggest drivers of workplace stress.
- Create a speaking-up culture. Employees should feel safe raising concerns without fear of stigma.
- Signpost support. Make sure everyone knows about your EAP, Samaritans (116 123), or Mind (0300 123 3393).
- Train your managers. A one-day Mental Health First Aid course can transform how your team leaders respond to distress.
This Week — And Every Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great catalyst, but the goal is to embed this thinking into your workplace all year round. When people feel psychologically safe, they work better, stay longer, and — crucially — stay safer.
If you'd like to find out how Livius Training can support your team with mental health first aid or wellbeing-at-work training, get in touch today. We deliver courses across Yorkshire, virtually, and at your own premises.
Sources: HSE Work-related stress statistics 2023/24 | Mental Health Foundation | MHFA England
