Get Racing talking for Mental Health Awareness Week

The campaign, run by the Mental Health Foundation from Monday 11th to Sunday 17th May,
has chosen Action as its 2026 theme, and for Racing Welfare, action has always meant the
same thing; starting a conversation! Not a big, formal, difficult conversation. Just a chat, a
check-in, a moment of honesty with a colleague, a friend, or someone you trust. That is
where change begins.

Behind every raceday, there are people working harder than most will ever see.
Early starts, relentless pressure, the weight of responsibility and often, very little space to
say that they are not coping. Racing is an industry built on resilience, on getting on with it, on
showing up regardless. But that culture, for all its strength, can also be the thing that stops
someone reaching out.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Racing Welfare wants every single person working in
British racing and breeding to know one thing: you do not have to stay silent. And to mark
the week, Racing Welfare has partnered with Equine Productions on a powerful new short
film.

It follows a raceday that will feel instantly familiar to anyone working in the sport. Racecourse
staff navigating packed schedules alongside the demands of family life, the relentless pace
of a busy racing day, and the anxiety and overwhelm that can quietly build beneath the
surface.

It is a mirror held up to an industry that gives everything and does not always give itself
permission to struggle.

Click here to watch the film.

As a visible show of community and support from an industry that is taking mental health
seriously, look out for green ribbons worn by racecourse teams, representing support, hope
and the fight against stigma.

Racing Welfare is also pleased to announce an improved support line, making it easier than
ever for anyone in the racing and breeding workforce to access confidential, compassionate
help when they need it most. Whether you are struggling yourself or concerned about
someone else, support is available.

Throughout the week, the charity will be sharing guidance on recognising the signs of poor
mental health, in yourself and in those around you, and signposting to the full range of
services available to racing’s workforce.

For those ready to TAKE ACTION, Racing Welfare offers heavily subsidised mental health
training, including accredited Mental Health First Aid England courses open to anyone
working in the sport.

Racing never stops. Neither should the support available to the people who make it happen
Action starts with a conversation. Start yours today.

To access support or find out more, call the Racing Welfare support line on 0800 6300 443.
Follow Racing Welfare on social media throughout Mental Health Awareness Week using #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.