As part of the Hearts & Minds team here at Tin Man, and having been so for nearly three years now, I can say with real pride that Mental Health Awareness Week is an important moment in our calendar.
Running this year from 11th to the 17th May, this year’s theme, “Action,” feels particularly relevant. It’s a gentle reminder that awareness is only part of the picture, what really shapes our mental health is how it shows up in the everyday. Whilst understanding mental health matters, it’s often the small, practical things we do, sometimes without even thinking about them, that help support how we feel and how we cope.
So how can we turn intention into action, in a way that feels both realistic and human?
It may take the form of checking in properly with a colleague, not just the quick “how are you?” but actually taking a moment to listen. It might be a moment of reflection when you’re running on empty and giving yourself permission to step back. It could be reaching out to someone before things feel too heavy, rather than waiting until they do. Or, quite simply, it could be the practice of building in small habits that support your own wellbeing, whether it’s stepping away from your desk, getting outside, or giving yourself the time to reset.
None of these actions need to be overly complicated, nor do they have to be big gestures. In fact, it’s often the small, consistent ones that make the biggest difference.
And for us at Tin Man, that idea of action is something we try to carry beyond just one week of the year.
Last week, we welcomed Chris to Tin Man HQ for a mindfulness and resilience session centred around emotional agility, building resilience, and the everyday tools that can help us better manage stress and emotions. From box breathing and movement breaks to journaling and reflection, the session focused on practical techniques that could realistically fit into day-to-day life, small actions that can make a meaningful difference over time.
It’s just one example of the ways we continue to invest in conversations and support around mental wellbeing as part of the Hearts & Minds pillar at Tin Man. But just as important are the quieter, more personal moments too.
Whether it’s through the Heart Fund, where colleagues can send a small gesture of support to someone going through a difficult time, whether that’s flowers, brownies, a book, or simply something thoughtful, or the everyday check-ins that happen across the agency, it all contributes to creating a culture where people feel supported, seen, and looked after.
For us, as a team, this week is a reminder that mental health isn’t something separate from our day-to-day, it’s woven into it, shaping how we work, how we connect, and how we show up for one another.
Conrad Jennings
3rd Floor,
Baird House,
15-17 St Cross Street,
EC1N 8UW
