Oakminster Healthcare runs week-long mental health programme for 400 care staff during awareness week

Glasgow-based care home group Oakminster Healthcare has delivered a structured week-long wellbeing programme across its five care homes, engaging more than 400 employees during Mental Health Awareness Week from 11 to 17 May 2026. The initiative offers a practical example of how frontline healthcare employers are embedding visible mental health support into daily working life for staff operating under sustained emotional pressure.

Yahoo News reported that the programme was led by the company's Mental Health First Aiders and was designed to ensure mental health support remains accessible and visible across all sites, recognising the particular emotional demands placed on care workers.

Debbie Fraser, a wellbeing enabler at Oakbridge care home in Knightswood and a Mental Health First Aider, said: "Working in care is incredibly rewarding. It can also be emotionally challenging at times. It's important that our teams know support is always available."

Fraser added that Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to start more open conversations, check in with colleagues, and remind staff that taking care of their own wellbeing is as important as caring for others.

Activities included a structured conversation game designed to encourage staff to connect with colleagues on non-work topics and share personal insights, as well as Tea and Talk sessions creating safe spaces for open mental health discussions. Mental Health First Aiders also provided practical advice and coping strategies to help staff manage workplace and personal pressures.

New wellbeing boards are being installed in each care home displaying Mental Health First Aider contacts and local and national support services. Staff are also being invited to anonymously submit feedback on what would most improve their wellbeing at work, with responses used to shape Oakminster's ongoing support programme.

Read the full wellbeing programme details and staff stories.