Returning to Coventry Building Society Arena on the 2-3 June 2026, Design in Mental Health brings together the people shaping the future of mental healthcare environments for two days of learning, collaboration and innovation.
Dedicated to the design, build, refurbishment and operation of mental health environments, the conference, exhibition and awards attract a highly engaged audience of NHS leaders, clinicians, estates and facilities professionals, architects, designers, suppliers and experts by experience.
This year’s conference programme explores some of the sector’s most pressing challenges through five dedicated streams:
- Acute & Inpatient Environments
- Designing for Mental Health in the Community
- Inclusion & Accessibility
- Sustainability by Design
- Technology – Designing for Human Connection
Across 20+ hours of content, attendees will hear from leading voices at NHS England, NHS Confederation, the Care Quality Commission and Design in Mental Health Network, alongside project teams, architects and lived experience experts sharing practical insight and real-world case studies.
The event’s keynote programme will tackle critical topics including policy direction, inclusive design, sustainability, digital transformation and the role of environments in supporting dignity, safety and recovery.
The packed specialist exhibition offers a showcase of products and solutions dedicated to mental healthcare environments. Covering everything from ligature-resistant products and lighting systems to sensory design, furniture, flooring and digital technologies, the exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to explore, compare and discuss solutions directly with suppliers and specialists.
A key feature this year is the free-to-attend Design & Digital Solutions Theatre, delivering practical presentations and technical insight from architects, NHS professionals and product innovators. Focused on real-world application, the theatre bridges the gap between strategy and delivery, helping attendees understand how innovative approaches are being implemented across live projects.
Naturally, networking is central, from daily NHS Networking Breakfasts and collaborative workshops to informal conversations across the exhibition floor and the vibrant Design in Mental Health Awards evening, the event is designed to encourage organic connection and cross-sector collaboration.
The awards take place on the evening of day 1 (2 June), designed to celebrate excellence and recognise outstanding achievement in the design and delivery of mental healthcare environments.
As part of the commitment to accessibility, free all-access conference passes are available for NHS, public sector and independent healthcare professionals. Ensuring that the people directly responsible for shaping and delivering mental health services remain at the heart of the conversation.
Whether you are designing new facilities, upgrading existing estates or exploring future-focused approaches to care environments, Design in Mental Health offers the unique opportunity to gain insight, discover innovation and connect with the wider mental health design community.
For more information and to register, visit:
www.designinmentalhealth.com