5 Actions Schools Can Take During Mental Health Awareness Week To Build A Wellbeing Culture

Each year, Mental Health Awareness Week gives schools a timely moment to refocus on wellbeing.  Mental Health Awareness Week highlights that wellbeing is actively developed, not inherent. School leaders are essential in fostering a culture with routines that ensure staff and students feel acknowledged, heard, and supported. This demonstrates that mental health is a continuous priority, not just for a single week. Mental Health Awareness Week is special because it's a timely reminder to prioritise mental health. Taking action now, even as the week ends, helps establish year-round routines and a supportive culture, reinforcing that wellbeing is actively built, not assumed.

Here are five practical actions to help your school build a culture of care and connection, based on the Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing framework, adapted for schools.

1. Take notice: Elevate awareness and prompt reflection

What schools can do

• Pause the usual rhythm through a short mindfulness exercise, guided breathing, or a quiet check-in at the start of class.
• Invite staff and students into a moment of reflection by giving them the opportunity to check-in, as these moments are crucial for fostering self-awareness and signaling that their individual wellbeing is valued and supported.
• Use visual cues like posters, digital screens, or screen savers that remind people to notice what’s happening around them and within them.
• Incorporate short reflection prompts: "What’s one thing bringing me energy today?" or "What support do I need?"

2. Connect: Strengthen the relational fabric in your school
What schools can do

• Activate connection moments across your school, for example, buddy classes, peer kōrero, or small group check-ins.
• Run a whānau café or safe kōrero space during break times.
• Encourage staff to walk and talk. A simple change of setting can open up richer conversations.

3.  Be active: Move together, lift spirits

What schools can do

• Include short movement breaks in your timetable: stretching, tai chi, or simple walks.
• Host a school-wide movement challenge or fun run across the week.
• Encourage walking meetings for staff or leadership, especially when discussing heavy topics.

4. Keep learning: Learn together and challenge stigma

What schools can do

• Offer short lunchtime teacher PD or student workshops on resilience, stress management, or student voice.
• Invite guest speakers, such as local mental health organisations or youth advocates, to run a session.
• Curate a wellbeing reading list or digital hub and encourage staff and students to explore it.

5. Give: Cultivate a culture of care and kindness

What schools can do

• Encourage acts of kindness: anonymous notes, thank-you gestures, or recognising quiet contributions.
• Start a gratitude tree in a common area where staff and students can hang notes of thanks.
• Invite nominations for "wellbeing champions" who uplift others.

Beyond the week: why weekly wellbeing check-ins matter
Mental Health Awareness Week sparks important conversations, but lasting impact comes from ongoing visibility. Weekly wellbeing check-ins help schools track trends, spot early warning signs, and respond with care, keeping wellbeing at the centre year-round.

Consider:

• Embedding regular check-ins via wellbeing check-in tools to capture student voice on an ongoing basis
• Reviewing wellbeing data trends to identify early warning signs.
• Ensuring clear follow-up pathways when students or staff signal need with trusted staff, external referrals, and proactive communication.
• Making wellbeing a core part of your strategic plan, resourcing, professional learning, and culture.