World Mental Health Day 2026
Making time for wellbeing can support good mental health, but busy working lives can make this difficult. At RNN Group, more than 500 staff members used dedicated Health and Wellbeing Days during the past academic year to take time for themselves.
The initiative is being highlighted to mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2026, which raises awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Dedicated Wellbeing Time
Every staff member is now entitled to one Health and Wellbeing Day each year, regardless of their working hours. The entitlement was updated this academic year, giving all employees the same opportunity to focus on their wellbeing.
Between September 2025 and August 2026, 522 staff members used this benefit in a variety of ways:
- 3 went on a bike ride
- 87 enjoyed a family day out
- 253 took part in a general activity
- 8 spent time gardening
- 67 socialised with friends
- 32 visited a spa or had a treatment
- 3 visited a theatre or museum
- 67 went for a walk or hike
- 2 learnt a new skill
Staff Experiences
Following their day, staff members shared their experiences:
Lucy Kingston
“I had a morning walk with my dog, followed by a hot stone and head massage, then I spent the rest of the day doing something that I love but don’t always have time for – painting.”
Victoria Hall
“I went on a capybara experience, shopping and lunch with my daughter.”
Kelly Condon
“It was lovely to catch up with friends who I have known for almost 30 years. I usually try to meet them once a month during a lunch break, so it was nice to have a leisurely catch up without worrying about the time.”
Tracy Bernard
“I went to see the Alpacas and Goats at Ivy’s Farm Shop at Swineshead and then had lunch with my husband. My husband and I are ships that pass in the night as he works Friday – Monday and I work in the week, so having this time to spend a day off with my husband midweek is priceless. Thank you so much.”
Sam Proudman
“I went to see Alanis Morissette in concert. The wellbeing day enabled my husband and I to go to the concert at the open-air theatre in Scarborough, stay overnight and have some much-needed time together. It was a day of making memories and seeing an artist I have always wanted to see in an amazing venue. This had an extremely positive impact on my wellbeing.”
Sue Powell
“It was great to take time out from everyday life and focus on things just for pleasure, learning to bake bread.”
Scott Foulds
“I went to the care home to spend some quality time with my nan, who is 92 years old. It has made me feel fantastic to see my nan smiling and having more time than usual with her.”
John Ward
“I went to Download Festival. It was nice to relax and spend time with friends.”
Callum Shutt
“I went fishing. It was a positive experience, being away from the screen.”
Govan Mears
“I originally was going to spend the day in my workshop but, as the weather was fantastic on the day, we decided to have a trip to an antiques centre in Hemswell. We ended up spending the entire day there, followed by lunch on the way home. It helped me feel extremely relaxed and gave me the time needed to spend with my wife. We had a great day out. Thank you for providing a brilliant benefit.”