Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
- traceymunaf
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
After the excitement of April's Step into Spring challenge, it was time to change gear slightly as May brought with it Mental Health Awareness Week and saw In-house Research take part and embrace it for a second year.
When planning Mental Health Week, wellbeing, support, and coming together as a company wide team is at the forefront of our minds.
We kicked off the week with a creative activity and food (there might be a bit of a theme throughout the week here... we do like our snacks!). With our Leaf on the Wreath activity teammates were invited to decorate a leaf with anything they like - a message, a quote, a picture - to add to our Spring Wreath. This was added to throughout the week by anyone working in the office. The result - a truly personalised decoration to hang in our breakroom. Monday morning also meant time for a delivery of fruit bowls and chocolate. Judging by how quickly the Wispas needed replenishing in the TRU (Telephone Research Unit) each day, there was a clear favourite!
Tuesday arrived and it was time for our very own Team member, Jayne, to lead us in a Wellness Circle. Helping us to connect and ground ourselves with some breathing techniques, and taking time to truly listen to each other with no interruptions. This brought colleagues in the office and those working from home together, learning that little more about each other.
Wednesday was 'wear bright colours to work' day, featuring a little time out in the afternoon to bond over cake during a group tea break.
Every day, a 'Question of the Day' was posed to the team, designed to get to know each other a little better, to look for the positives and, in particular, to connect with those working from home. Although, the most interesting question perhaps, had to be the one posed by TRU member Josh on 'Free for all Friday', who asked "Who is the most famous person you have met?" - the variety was vast, the stories were varied, and the gossip was aplenty - sadly for the blog, what happens in the group chat stays in the group chat; we couldn't possibly divulge!
The end of the week brought the most touching task of all, 'One Nice Thing'. This is where we all write one nice comment about each of our colleagues, which are then collated into a letter that each staff member receives at home, sent by good old-fashioned mail, with all of our own lovely comments. To see ourselves as others see us is hard, and to have your actions within the team recognised, or see the effect that our positive ways may unknowingly have on someone else, is truly uplifting and brought smiles to us all.
The grand finale of the week though was the big BBQ! Friday afternoon saw nearly the whole team come together for a BBQ in a local Country Park. Lots of food, games, and chat, accompanied with a playlist compiled by us all. The In-house Research Directors cooked up a storm, with burgers, sausages, pasta salads and more. The Data Team's MJ, famous at In-house for her top baking skills, made very moreish cookies for us sweet-toothed bunch! Full of food, it was time for the winners announcement and awards for our Step into Spring challenge that took place in April, with the team Scrambled Legs claiming a well-deserved victory. The sun shone throughout, and the afternoon came to an end with a big game of rounders (containing the best dive for a point I think I've ever seen from the most unassuming team member!). What a way to finish off a joyous week!
We recognise that Mental Health is an ongoing issue, and one that we certainly do not save to shine a light on for one week only, however, the activities this week gave us all a moment for reflection, lots of laughs, bonded us further, and showed each other that we care.

Comments