2026 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Free Conference Access for Public Sector
NHS, public sector and selected other providers will be able to apply for complimentary full passes to Design in Mental Health 2026
At Design in Mental Health 2026, we’re making a landmark change: for the first time, entry to everything at the event – including all Conference presentations, Workshops and the Exhibition – will be offered at no cost to NHS and public sector employees, charities, non-profits delivering mental health services, independent healthcare providers, and independent experts by experience.
What's On Offer
on full 2-Day Conference Delegate Passes, worth £565
AVAILABLE FROM THE DAY REGISTRATION OPENS UNTIL THE DAY THE EVENT CLOSES
What Will I Get Out of Attending the Conference?
✅ Learn about, discuss and explore solutions to high-stakes problems, in dedicated Conference and Workshop rooms off the Exhibition Floor.
✅ Build a cross-sector network — connect with commissioners, clinicians, architects, lived experience leaders, service innovators, and leading industry suppliers from across the UK and around the World, who are redefining mental health environments together.
✅ Increase clinical knowledge around mental health design.
✅ Get up to speed on the most relevant topics for creating and maintaining mental health environments, and hear how well-designed environments can support recovery, improve staff retention, and enhance long-term sustainability.
✅ Discover the latest in therapeutic design — from CAMHS and forensics to supported housing and sensory spaces, hear how built environments are evolving to meet complex and diverse needs.
✅ Align estates, clinical goals, and community priorities for collaborative decisions.
“This is where we learn what’s next – from suppliers, clinicians, and peers.”
Clinical Lead for Health, Safety, and Security – Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Why we’re offering free attendance to the Conference at Design in Mental Health 2026
This is more than a discount. It’s an investment in those whose frontline perspectives bring unique depth and value to the event, for the benefit of all participants. Here’s why we’re making this commitment:
Strengthening the Sector as a Whole
Great design in mental health services happens when knowledge flows across the entire system – from frontline service providers to those commissioning and designing environments, products and services, and back the other way. Removing cost ensures everyone can take part in the conversation.
Investing in People Who Deliver Change
Those working at the front line of mental health care – whether in hospitals, community services, or support organisations – give their all every day. This initiative is our way of investing back into the people who make change possible.
Driving Better Outcomes for Service Users
Every discussion, innovation, and idea at Design in Mental Health is about creating environments that enable recovery and improve lives. By opening the doors to more voices, we ensure solutions are more representative, inclusive, and impactful.
Removing Barriers to Knowledge and Innovation
Training budgets are stretched, and access to events is often limited. By making attendance cost-free, we’re removing financial barriers so vital knowledge, insights, and innovations reach the widest possible audience.
Building Collaboration Across Sectors
The challenges in mental healthcare are complex and interconnected. By bringing together clinicians, architects, estates professionals, policymakers, charities, independent providers, and people with lived experience, we create space for richer collaboration and stronger solutions.
SEE WHO QUALIFIES AND WHAT'S INCLUDED
Who Qualifies?
Direct employees of the following bodies/organisation types in the UK and Ireland:
✅ NHS / HSE
✅ Local Authorities
✅ Central Government
✅ Registered Charities
✅ Not-for-profits
✅ Independent Lived Experience Experts
And:
✅ Independent Healthcare Providers in the UK and Ireland
✅ State-funded healthcare professionals from outside the UK
All applications for free attendance will be verified by the event Organisers.
“Making this conference freely accessible to NHS, community, and public-sector colleagues ensures those with deep insight and great stakes in improving mental health environments remain at the heart of the conversations.”
Charlotte Burrows, CEO, Design in Mental Health Network
What's Included
SOME ON-SITE EXTRAS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE WITH EARLYBIRD TICKETS - SO BOOK EARLY!
I'm interested - what should I do next?
Save the Date
2-3 June 2026
Coventry Building Society Arena
Book Early
Registration opens in late 2025.
Book by 31 January for the best passes with the most included.
Tell Your Network!
The more people at the event who qualify for a free pass, the better – so please spread the word to your colleagues, industry contacts, clients, and suppliers!
