Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is shining a spotlight on the power of action and Leicester-based charity Norton Housing and Support says meaningful change starts with the small things people do every day.
Marking this year’s national theme, Action, the charity is encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to take practical steps to support positive mental health, particularly for people facing complex challenges and housing insecurity.
Providing Supported Accommodation and community support services across Leicestershire, Norton Housing and Support works with people living with mental health challenges, learning differences and difficult life experiences. Through safe housing, personalised support and opportunities to build confidence and independence, the charity believes stable accommodation can play a vital role in mental health recovery.
Joanna Fleetwood-Smith, Chief Executive of Norton Housing and Support, said:
“Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that small actions can make a big difference – whether that’s checking in with someone, offering practical support or creating environments where people feel safe and valued. For the people we support, having a stable home and someone who believes in them can be life-changing. We’re proud to stand alongside our residents and our community and we’re committed to taking action every day to improve mental health outcomes.”
Throughout the week, Norton Housing and Support will be sharing stories, resources and wellbeing advice to encourage people to make positive changes for themselves and others.
The charity says even simple daily habits can have a lasting impact on mental wellbeing. Joanna has shared some of her own practical tips that focus on the importance of recognising achievements, resting properly and taking care of physical health.
“Take time to really sit back and recall what you have achieved! Whether that’s just in the past day, week or year, it doesn’t really matter, but what does matter is recognising how much you’ve managed to do, sometimes against great odds!”
She also highlighted the importance of sleep in protecting mental health, encouraging people to reduce screen time and create better routines to allow proper rest.
“Get 8 hours Sleep! A good night’s sleep makes the world of difference to how you think and feel. Feeling mentally drained and lacking in energy is tiring in itself, and we often keep pushing through and forcing ourselves to work longer hours, do more activities and so on, just to keep on top of things.
“Reduce your scrolling, turn off your socials and allow your brain to really relax without the fake endorphin hits!”
Healthy eating is another area Joanna believes can positively affect both mental and physical wellbeing.
“Eat Well! Try to avoid as much processed food as possible. This doesn’t mean not eating tasty food, in fact it’s the opposite, the less processed food you eat the more you’ll find you can taste the natural flavours in food and in turn the less processed food you’ll probably want to eat. Most importantly, the better your mind and body will feel for not taking on chemicals it doesn’t need which cause us to feel unsatisfied and overeat.”
The charity says the voices of residents and service users highlight just how important support networks and safe spaces can be.
“It feels very dark and heavy and cold out there, and to be this side of the watch tower, with Norton on my side, is an amazing feeling… Norton represents light to me.” A Service User
“I am in a happy place because I have made a lot of new friends, that are like family to me.” A Resident
The Mental Health Foundation has stressed that collective action is essential in creating mentally healthy communities. Norton Housing and Support hopes this will inspire local people to support services, start conversations and look after one another beyond Mental Health Awareness Week.
Joanna Fleetwood-Smith is available for interviews Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th May
from 1pm – 5pm to discuss:
- the importance of supported housing in mental health recovery
- the challenges facing people with mental health needs in the current climate
- why action – not just awareness – is essential
- how communities can help build mentally healthy environments
For more information, visit Norton Housing and Support on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
