World Mental Health Day: Supporting wellbeing across our school communities
Today, on World Mental Health Day (10 October), we take the opportunity to shine a light on something that connects us all — our mental health and wellbeing. It’s a moment to celebrate the positive work happening across our schools and to reaffirm our shared commitment to caring for ourselves and each other.
The pressures on pupils today
For young people, growing up in today’s world brings opportunities and challenges unlike any generation before. Alongside the excitement of learning and friendship, many pupils face the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and exam stress.
Increasingly, young people are also navigating issues such as body image and self-esteem, worries about the future, online bullying, and the effects of social isolation. With so many demands on their attention and emotions, supporting mental health and resilience in schools has never been more important.
Schools across the North East continue to play a crucial role in nurturing emotional wellbeing, creating safe spaces where children feel seen, valued, and supported. From pastoral care and wellbeing days to pupil-led mental health initiatives, schools are helping young people to talk openly about how they feel and to build healthy coping strategies that will serve them for life.
This vital work is made possible by the dedication, compassion, and creativity of staff who go above and beyond every day to support their pupils’ wellbeing. Whether through a listening ear, a kind word, or an extra moment of encouragement, your care makes a lasting difference, and it’s something truly worth celebrating.
The importance of staff wellbeing
Our teachers, leaders, and support staff also face their own mental health challenges. Working in an ever-changing educational landscape, juggling reforms, accountability pressures, and the day-to-day demands of school life, can take its toll. Many go above and beyond for their pupils…often at the expense of their own rest and balance.
It’s vital that we continue to remind one another that self-care is not selfish. When staff are supported to prioritise their wellbeing, everyone benefits. A healthy, motivated team creates the conditions for pupils to thrive.
Whether it’s through staff wellbeing policies, supportive leadership, peer networks, or simply a culture that allows people to ask for help without judgment, small acts of care can have a big impact.
Hope, compassion and connection
Despite the challenges, schools across the region are doing incredible work to support mental health and wellbeing every day. From introducing mental health first aiders and trauma-informed practice, to working with local charities and health professionals, our North East schools are repeatedly showing what compassion and commitment can achieve.
Every conversation that breaks stigma, every act of kindness between colleagues, every lesson that helps a pupil understand their emotions. Each and every one of these moments matter. They are shaping a culture where mental health is valued as much as physical health, and where nobody feels they have to struggle alone.
Schools North East is here for you
At Schools North East, we are proud to stand alongside our schools in championing mental health and wellbeing for all. Through our networks, events, and advocacy, we continue to highlight the importance of supporting the people who make our schools such special places — staff and pupils alike.
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone working tirelessly across our schools. Your compassion, care, and dedication are making a difference every single day. Remember: you are not alone, and we are here to support you, today and always.