World Mental Health Day – 10 October

World Mental Health Day provides an important opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing for children, young people and the adults who support them every day.

Good mental health plays a vital role in helping children and young people learn, build positive relationships, cope with challenges and reach their full potential. Schools are uniquely placed to create supportive environments where students feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

World Mental Health Day is also a valuable reminder of the importance of staff wellbeing. The health and wellbeing of the education workforce is essential in supporting positive outcomes for students, and a whole-school approach to wellbeing benefits the entire school community.

There are some excellent and free resources available through Anna Freud and Mentally Healthy Schools, including assemblies, lesson plans, activities and wellbeing toolkits that can be used throughout the week and beyond.

Suggested Activities for Schools

Watch the mental Health & Wellbeing videos

• A free collection of animated videos and worksheets designed to help young people build resilience and support their mental wellbeing. Topics include stress, confidence, friendships, social pressures and positive coping strategies. Suitable for use in assemblies, tutor time and PSHE lessons.
• Website: Mental Health UK Resources for Schools and Colleges

 Wellbeing Check-In

• Start the day with a tutor-time or classroom discussion and invite students to share how they are feeling using a word, colour or simple scale.

Kindness Challenge

• Encourage students and staff to carry out an act of kindness for a friend, family member, classmate or colleague.

What Supports My Wellbeing?

• Ask students to reflect on the people, places and activities that help support their wellbeing and create a class display or discussion around these.

Mindfulness Moment

• Build a few minutes into tutor time or lessons for breathing exercises, stretching or quiet reflection.

Gratitude Wall

• Create a space where students and staff can share achievements, positive messages or things they are grateful for.

Mental Health Assembly

• Use an assembly to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and remind students how and where they can access support if needed.

Wellbeing Walk

• Where possible, encourage students to spend time outdoors and reflect on the positive impact that physical activity and nature can have on wellbeing.

Action for Happiness

• One simple activity that can be used throughout the month is the Action for Happiness Calendar, which provides daily wellbeing actions designed to encourage kindness, connection, gratitude and resilience.
• The calendar can be used during tutor time, displayed around school, included in newsletters or incorporated into wider wellbeing activities.

Optimistic October Calendar:
Action for Happiness Calendar

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Children and Young People

Kooth

• Free, anonymous online mental health and wellbeing support – Visit Kooth

YoungMinds

• Information, advice and support for young people – Visit YoungMinds

 Childline

• Free, confidential support for anyone under 19- Telephone: 0800 1111 – Visit Childline

For Parents and Carers

YoungMinds Parent Resources

Advice and guidance for parents and carers supporting a child or young person’s mental health – Visit YoungMinds Parents

Anna Freud

• Resources and practical advice to support children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health – Visit Anna Freud

For School Staff

Education Support

• A charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of education staff – Visit Education Support

NHS Every Mind Matters

• Practical advice, wellbeing tools and self-care resources – Visit Every Mind Matters

 Mentally Healthy Schools

• Free lesson plans, assemblies, activities and wellbeing resources for schools – Visit Mentally Healthy Schools

Crisis Support

Samaritans

• 24-hour confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress – Telephone: 116 123 – Visit Samaritans

 Shout

• Free, confidential 24/7 text support service – Text SHOUT to 85258 – Visit Shout

Further Resources

Mental Health UK

• Campaign information, resources and ideas for recognising World Mental Health Day – Visit Mental Health UK

Looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health. By creating opportunities to talk, listen and support one another, we can help build healthier, happier and more resilient school communities throughout the year.

For more information or advice, please contact Kayleigh.Pullen@bexley.gov.uk