Starting Well - do one thing to support your mental health this January
05 Jan 2026
Small actions, big impact — discover how one thing can boost your mental health in 2026.
Our January Starting Well campaign is designed to bring opportunities to colleagues to invest in their physical and mental wellbeing, during what can be a challenging month. Starting a new year can feel overwhelming, with post-holiday blues, chilly weather, and the pressure to hit the ground running. This year’s focus is ‘Do One Thing to Support Your Mental Health’. The four key themes of the programme have been developed to support this focus: movement, health, personal development and mental health awareness.
Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People said: “By encouraging colleagues to do just one thing for their mental health, we’re creating space for small, meaningful actions that make a big difference. My ‘one thing to support my mental health’ I am committing to this January is structuring my day to ensure I get time out to take a walk. I invite every colleague to take part and support one another as we start the year with intention and care.”
Our campaign will close on the nationally recognised Time to Talk Day, Thursday, 5 February. We encourage teams across the university to come together during this week (2nd – 6th Feb) to connect and talk about the ‘One Thing’ they have done or plan to do to support their mental health.
What’s your One Thing?
We’d love to hear what your one thing will be. Share your action with us at wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk and help inspire others to make positive changes too.
Events
Saturday, 3 January to Saturday, 31 January : FREE Active Manchester Membership
UoM Sport ‘Recharge in 2026’ offer is designed to promote wellbeing for our staff and student community, giving staff the opportunity for physical movement in the new year via free gym and class access. (Registration opens from Thursday, 1 January, please note this offer does not apply if you have an existing paid Active Manchester membership).
How staff get started:
- Select free Active Manchester membership online via the join link
- Once the membership is activated, you can book on to classes.
- On your first visit to the gym, activate staff card at reception
- Need help with equipment or setting goals? Book a tour/induction or personal workout programme through their membership account
Read full details for Recharge in 2026.
Quick ‘How to’ Guide on membership registration steps.
For questions contact sport@manchester.ac.uk.
Thursday, 8 January: Swap Shop and Bake Sale, The Atrium, University Place, 11:00 – 14:00
Buy a bake, swap unwanted gifts, or buy an item for £3 (items must be as new). All proceeds will go to two charities Multiple Sclerosis Society and The Little Green Sock Project, leftover items will also be donated to charity. Building access information.
This event is hosted by the ASESD Staff Wellbeing Champions, for questions contact Jennifer or Marieta
Tuesday, 13 January: Understanding Anxiety, online webinar, 1pm - 2pm
Delivered by the Health Hero training and education team, this webinar will explore:
- The signs and symptoms of anxiety and explore practical strategies for managing anxious feelings in both personal and professional settings.
- How anxiety affects our physical and mental wellbeing, and why it’s a natural response to real or perceived threats.
- Insight into everyday triggers and build confidence in coping with the anxious moments we all experience.
- Book your place
Wednesday, 14 January: Health Check Clinics on Campus, 3A.071, Nancy Rothwell Building, 11am – 2pm
Our Occupational Health team will be running a FREE pop-up Health Check Clinic. You do not need to book a slot, you can just turn up. All staff are welcome. Building Access Information.
Thursday, 22 January : Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: Supporting Yourself and Others in the New Year, online webinar, 1pm – 2pm
This webinar offers a compassionate and supportive introduction to eating disorders and disordered eating, exploring how New Year and diet-culture messaging can impact our relationship with food, body image, and wellbeing. Attendees will learn to recognise gentle early signs of difficulty in themselves or others and understand how these challenges can show up in everyday life. The session also shares calming, non-judgemental ways to respond and highlights supportive pathways to care.
Tuesday, 27 January: Health Check Clinics on Campus, Hansom Room Humanities Bridgford Street Building, 11am – 2pm
Our Occupational Health team will be running a FREE pop-up Health Check Clinic. You do not need to book a slot, you can just turn up. All colleagues are welcome. Building Access information.
Are you a People Manager with time available to build skills this January?
Discover the mental health and wellbeing training offer for managers and leaders, regular course dates in the new year starting Wednesday, 14 January.
Wednesday, 4 February: Setting Healthy Boundaries, online webinar, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Hosted by Manchester based Coach Sally Heady, this webinar will explore common myths about boundaries, why they are important and look at a specific structure to make it easier for you to ask for what you need.
Taking time to attend events
Before booking a Starting Well in 2026 event, please check with your manager and team to ensure cover for your role. These events offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, and we encourage teams to support each other to take part. If you attend, please share your learnings locally so others can benefit too.