Free wellbeing activities for Mental Health Awareness Week
Access Wellbeing services in Poole, Boscombe and Weymouth are hosting a range of free events as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026).
Monday 11 May, 10am – 12pm – Wellbeing Matters workshop, Boscombe
Access Wellbeing Boscombe are teaming up with BCHA Learn for “Wellbeing Matters” – a FREE 2-hour group workshop for those 19+ in Dorset. This workshop will cover key topics in mental health and wellbeing, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and to provide practical skills to support a healthier lifestyle. To book your place, drop into Access Wellbeing Boscombe or contact the Access Wellbeing team on 07385473687.
Monday 11 May – Friday 15 May – Ways to Wellbeing activities, Poole
In collaboration with The Dolphin and a range of local partners, Access Wellbeing Poole are hosting a programme of relaxed, inclusive activities including relaxation sessions, a mindfulness in nature walk, free plant giveaways and more.
Each day is inspired by one of the five ways to wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give and Take Notice – and the activities are open to anyone, with no need to book. All events will run from 10am-3pm in the Access Wellbeing Poole Hub unless otherwise stated:
- Monday 11 May: Connect
A chance to meet others and feel part of a supportive community:
– Coffee, cake, and conversation in the hub
– Chat to wellbeing coordinators, peers from Dorset Mental Health Forum, and specialist gambling support organisation Recovery For All (1-4pm) - Tuesday 12 May: Be Active
Encouraging movement in ways that feel comfortable and accessible:
– Mindfulness walk around Poole Park with mindfulness-in-nature practitioner Rosa – start at Access Wellbeing Hub at 12.30pm
– Ideas for volunteering outdoors from Community Action Network - Wednesday 13 May: Keep Learning
Exploring new ideas and building confidence through learning:
– Information on adult educational courses from Skills & Leaning ACE
– Mindfulness challenges running throughout the day - Thursday 14 May: Give
Celebrating kindness and the power of community:
– Plant giveaway with Cherry Tree Nursery – over 70 free plants available
– Winner of our Community Hero competition announced, celebrating someone goes above and beyond to help others - Friday 15 May: Take Notice
Slowing down and tuning into the present moment:
– Relaxation sessions with wellbeing coordinator Tanya – 11am and 3pm, Access Wellbeing Hub
– Creative photography and visualisation activities
Visitors can also pop into the hub throughout the week (until Thursday 14 May) to vote for their Community Hero, with a Wild Roots voucher up for grabs for the deserving winner!
Renée Clarke, Hub Manager at Access Wellbeing Poole, said: “This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is all about taking action for mental health, but we know that first step can sometimes feel difficult. Access Wellbeing offers a space where people can come as they are and feel supported to take small, positive steps towards better mental health.
“These events are a great way to find out more about what we do, meet others, and discover simple ways to support your own wellbeing, and we can’t wait to welcome people. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the partners supporting the week, and to The Dolphin for helping us to build such a supportive space in Poole.”
There are now over 30 Access Wellbeing spaces around Dorset offering free mental health and wellbeing support to anyone aged 18 and over, with no appointment needed. Support is delivered through an innovative partnership between the voluntary sector and NHS. Find your nearest space on our Places and Spaces page.
