World Mental Health Day · Free global online episode
Lived experiences heard
Real voices, real change.
Sunday 11 October 2026 · 2pm BST
UK 2pm · India 6:30pm · East Africa 4pm · Mauritius 5pm
Watch here
Press play at 2pm on Sunday
An afternoon of honest conversation for World Mental Health Day, with people sharing their own experiences of mental health and what helped them. The stream plays right here, or watch on YouTube or Facebook and join the live chat.
Never miss a Sunday
Why this episode
Mental health touches every family. Listening is where change starts.
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2019 about one in eight people worldwide were living with a mental health condition, and many never get the care and support they need.
This Sunday the microphone goes to people with lived experience: what it felt like, what helped, and what they wish others understood. Healing Our Earth has broadcast free every Sunday since April 2020, and this episode is about listening, inclusion and community.
Start this week
Six small things that help
General ideas for looking after your mind day to day. What works is different for everyone, and they are no replacement for professional help when you need it.
Connect with others
Time with family, friends or neighbours helps you feel part of something. A short call or message counts.
NHS: five steps to mental wellbeing
Keep moving
Walking, dancing, yoga or gardening can lift your mood. Choose something you enjoy and can keep doing.
NHS: five steps to mental wellbeing
Notice the present moment
Pausing to notice your breath, your surroundings and how you feel can help you step back from worries. Prayer and meditation work for many people.
NHS: five steps to mental wellbeing
Learn something new
A recipe, a song, a craft or a language. Learning builds confidence and a sense of purpose.
NHS: five steps to mental wellbeing
Give to others
A kind word, volunteering or helping a neighbour is good for them and good for you.
NHS: five steps to mental wellbeing
Protect your sleep
Regular sleep and wake times, fewer screens before bed and a calm wind-down help your mind recover.
General sleep guidance
If you need help now
Please read this and share it with the people you love. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
If you are struggling
- Talk to someone you trust, today if you can
- Contact your GP or local health service
- UK: call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, day or night
- UK: text SHOUT to 85258
- UK: call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option
You are not alone, and you do not have to wait until things get worse.
In an emergency
- If a life is at risk, call 999 in the UK or your local emergency number
- India: Tele-MANAS 14416, free, day and night
- USA: call or text 988
- Anywhere else: find a helpline at findahelpline.com
Worried about someone? Ask them how they are, and listen.
Programme
Speakers announced soon
We are bringing together people with lived experience of mental health, alongside practitioners and community voices from around the world. The running order will appear here in the days before the episode.
Would you like to share your story, or do you know someone who should? Send us a message.
Questions
Do I need to register or pay?
No. The episode is free and open to everyone. Join us on this page, YouTube or Facebook at 2pm UK time.
What time is it where I am?
UK 2:00pm, Central Europe 3:00pm, East Africa 4:00pm, Mauritius and Dubai 5:00pm, India 6:30pm, Hong Kong and Singapore 9:00pm, New York 9:00am.
Can I ask a question?
Yes. Type it into the live chat during the broadcast, or send it to us on Telegram beforehand. If you would rather not use your name, tell us and we will keep it anonymous.
What if I miss it?
The full recording stays on our YouTube channel and plays on this page, so you can watch whenever suits you.
Is this medical advice?
No. The episode and this page share personal experiences and general information. Please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your own situation. If you are in crisis, see “If you need help now” above, or call 999 in the UK or your local emergency number.
See you on Sunday at 2pm
Bring a cup of tea and someone who could use the company. Listening. Inclusion. Community. Change.
Personal experiences and general information only, not a substitute for advice from a doctor or mental health professional. In a crisis, call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) or your local emergency number. Healing Our Earth broadcasts free every Sunday.
