Knowing what to spot, coaching people and managers to give mental health first aid and reviewing internal processes are among actions East Midlands Chamber recommends for firms in the region as Mental Health Awareness Week begins.
Running from 11th to 17th May, the annual national awareness week aims to encourage the UK to come together to look at both their own mental health and that of those around them, with 2026 centred on the theme of ‘action’.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Mental ill health is the leading cause of long‑term sickness absence and the second most common cause of short‑term absence in UK workplaces, while the average number of sickness absence days is now 9.4 days per employee per year – the highest level recorded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in more than 15 years.
“Knowing what to spot and being able to recognise early signs of a possible mental health issue, whether in yourself or in a colleague, is of vital importance, even if it seems slight or at an early stage. There has been significant progress in recent years to equip people and managers with the skill to notice any deterioration in mental health. Coaching is an excellent resource and I’d highly recommend businesses explore everything open to them.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is a good time for businesses to take a moment to look again at the policies and procedures they have in place to support their workforce but also to review the wider culture. Is it as good as it can be, in terms of mental health? Could it be worth a staff survey or some external consultancy, for example? What support or signposting do you or could you provide?
“Prioritising these areas and getting it right should never be a nice to have. The approach taken can really impact retention, attraction for new recruits, productivity, innovation and a sense of energy, as well as the most important factor, which is overall wellbeing of people, which may also include yourself. My advice is not to let Mental Health Awareness Week pass unnoticed – find out what you can do and make this a year of reviewing your approach.”
The Chamber offers a programme of Mental Health First Aid courses across the year, in partnership with Loates Workplace Wellbeing and regional charities, so knowledge and skills can be gained to notice signs of people experiencing poor mental health and get the confidence to initiate a conversation and signpost a person to the most appropriate support.
To find out more about Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses delivered by the Chamber, in partnership with Loates Wellbeing, in 2026 and reserve a place, click here.
