Led by the Mental Health Foundation - the UK’s only charity solely focused on protecting good mental health – this year’s awareness week focuses on ‘community’. 

To celebrate the power of togetherness, the charity is using the week to promote community connection. Suggested activities include participating in club or group activities, connecting with like-minded people online or in the community, volunteering, and supporting local events. 

This Thursday, 15th May, the Mental Health Foundation encourages people to ‘wear it green’ to show their support and raise funds for research and support programmes. ‘Wear It Green’ day is promoted in workplaces, schools and communities to raise awareness and support the foundation’s work.

Staff at Withernsea High School are being encouraged to take part in the event to help promote the benefits of positive mental health in the school community. Some staff have also been sharing their thoughts on what makes them feel connected in the workplace. These thoughts have been shared on the school’s Instagram account: www.instagram.com/withernseahighschool 

School business manager, and mental health first aider, Sarah Evans, said: “We invite all staff to wear something green to show solidarity for mental health awareness this Thursday. Any donations to the Mental Health Foundation would also be welcomed at the main office. During Mental Health Awareness week, we are promoting numerous resources and tips to help our school community focus on positive mental health.”

Reflecting on the importance of raising awareness, a spokesperson for the Mental Health Foundation said: “Join us for Wear It Green day this Thursday and let’s turn the world green for good mental health! By going green, you can support us in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. 

“Mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy and long life, and we believe everyone deserves good mental health. No one living in the UK should be deprived of the opportunity for good mental health because of who they are, the community they come from or where they live. 

“Poor mental health is not inevitable. There are things we can do as individuals, in our communities and across society, to help us all to live with good mental health. We want to use this year’s awareness week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

“Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.”

Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Wear it Green day, at: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw 

Meanwhile, students seeking help for their mental health and well-being, either in or out of school, have access to a number of organisations, staff and resources that can help them deal with a variety of issues:   

STAFF COMMENTS ABOUT CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY...