Mental Health Awareness week 2026 11th -17th May

Here at Parkside House School, we proudly recognised the Mental Health Foundations Annual Mental Health Awareness week celebrating their nationwide
campaign, ‘Take Action’ dedicated to raising awareness of mental health, reducing stigma and promoting positive wellbeing for us all.
This year’s theme ‘Take Action’ encourages individuals to take meaningful steps to‘Take Action’ for yourself, for someone else and for all of us.
Throughout the week students and staff participated in a range of activities designed to ‘start up’ and encourage more open conversations about mental health,
strengthen connections and promote self-care.

The week began with an introduction to Mental Health Awareness week during tutor time where students were provided with a brief overview of why the week is
recognised nationally and its importance, with signposting to the Mental Health Foundations website to further explore resources, information and ideas.

Further activities included completing an action plan set out each day, over three days to consider ideas and strike up conversations, for ‘taking action’ for yourself, for others and for all of us.

On Wednesday many of the students and staff participated in ‘Wear Something Green Day’. ‘It was wonderful to see the support and strong sense of unity across
the school community’. As an advocate for mental health awareness this made me feel very proud to see many of our students wearing green, even if they were too
camera shy to take a photo!

Throughout the week there were a range of resources on offer, as well as wellbeing drop-in sessions, Mental Health awareness sessions in PHSE lessons and many informative and very creative PowerPoints were created by students in media studies.

The week ended with green cake and custard being served for lunch, which I was told students and staff gave it a try!