How can schools promote positive mental health and well-being?

Teachers and school staff have a responsibility to promote mental health in schools. Often, even small changes can help a person feel better.

Encourage social time

Schedule 30 minutes or an hour each week where students can socialize and focus on something other than the curriculum. Encourage them to chat with their peers and complete a task together, such as a difficult problem or challenge. Students working together in the classroom

Organize lunch clubs

Give students a chance to have fun at lunch by organizing lunch clubs. These clubs can be for any activity - arts and crafts, baking, drama clubs, book clubs, film clubs, etc. The sense of community helps students feel included and relieves work pressure for a while.

Have an open door policy

Students need to know that they can come to you and talk to you about any problems or concerns they have. Share this with your students so they know you are always there to listen. You could even designate a designated teacher for each year group who can support students who are struggling. Ideally, this person should have training in children's mental health and know how to help.

Make mental health known

Unfortunately, mental health is still seen as a taboo topic and something patients are ashamed to talk about. Many also feel judged when they explain their problems. That's why you should put mental health at the center of your school. Discuss it in PHSCE classes, discuss it in meetings and on four awareness days, such as World Mental Health Day, to let students know they are not alone. You can also invite charities, such as Mind and Rethink, to your school to lecture on their work and raise the issue of mental health. Invite both students and parents to participate.

Organize a Wellness Week

To truly put wellness at the center of your school, organize a wellness week at your school. Employees and students benefit. For your wellness week you could:

Encourage bonding - get students talking to each other and interacting with people they wouldn't normally talk to.

Organize a sports/activity day – Sports are known to boost endorphins, so take advantage of it and engage students and staff in a range of activities. Encourage students to set goals (not too big) so that when they achieve them, their self-esteem will be boosted.

Give to others – host charity events like a bake sale or fancy dress day and donate the proceeds to mental health charities. Giving to others is known to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

Be aware: organize awareness sessions and create a relaxing environment.

Promote mental health in schools through sport

Promoting mental health in schools is something we should all give priority to. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, so it's important to get it right and help our students as much as possible.