Mental health survey returns with call to franchising community to turn awareness into action

Cinder is calling on the franchise community to have its say as its sector-wide mental health survey returns for a second year.

The survey, which takes a couple of minutes to complete, will be open from 11th to 31st May, with results published the following month. The survey, in its 2nd year, forms part of the Franchise Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme for 2026: Turning Intention into Action. 

Jen Chapman, founder of Cinder and a Mental Health First Aid Trainer, launched the initiative to help break the silence around mental health in franchising and gather real insight into where support is needed most.

“Last year’s survey was an important step in getting people talking more openly about mental health in franchising,” said Jen. “But awareness on its own is not enough. This year it’s about turning intention into action - understanding what people are really experiencing and what practical support the sector needs next.

“Franchising is often described as being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. While that support network is one of the sector’s greatest strengths, the reality of business ownership can still feel incredibly challenging. Franchisees may be dealing with financial pressure, long hours and the emotional weight of running a business, while franchisors are balancing the needs of their networks with the demands of growing their own organisations.

“That’s why we need as many people as possible to take part. The more responses we receive, the clearer the picture we can build - and the better equipped we’ll be to create resources, workshops and support that genuinely reflect what people need.”

Cinder was launched during lockdown to help franchisors, HR teams and small business owners address the growing mental health crisis in their organisations. Jen’s work is informed by both her own lived experience of OCD and the conversations she had with franchisors and franchisees while working at the British Franchise Association.

Since then, she’s worked with brands across the franchise sector to support better conversations around mental health, stress, burnout and workplace wellbeing.

“Mental health isn’t a soft issue - it has a direct impact on people, teams and business performance,” added Jen. “This survey is a chance for the franchise community to help shape meaningful, practical change.”

Jen is also encouraging the wider sector to get involved by sharing the survey with their networks. “This is not just Cinder’s campaign - it is a sector-wide conversation,” said Jen. “Whether you are a franchisor, franchisee, supplier or someone working within the franchise industry... your voice matters.”

The 2026 campaign is also supported by key voices and organisations from across the franchise sector, including Simon Bishop, Director and Co-founder of GDPR Systems, Platinum Wave, Rev PR and Elite Franchise. Their support is not only helping to extend the reach of the survey but also opening conversations around mental health, creating healthier work environments across the franchise community.

To complete the survey, please visit https://www.cindermentalfitness.com/awareness