Supporting Mental Health in Schools

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 takes place from 11 to 17 May, and this year’s theme is Action. The Mental Health Foundation emphasises that awareness alone is no longer enough. Real change happens when individuals, schools and communities take practical steps to support good mental health and prevent crises. At the same time, Learning at Work Week 2026 focuses on Many ways to learn, encouraging organisations to explore inclusive, varied approaches to learning that support personal and professional growth. Together, these national campaigns highlight the importance of taking meaningful action and building the skills needed to support wellbeing in education settings.

 

Why Mental Health Action Matters in Schools

Schools play a central role in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. Good mental health helps pupils attend school, engage in learning, develop social and emotional skills and achieve academically. When teachers and support staff understand how to recognise early signs of distress, they can intervene before issues escalate. This aligns directly with the 2026 Action theme, which encourages practical steps that help create mentally healthy environments for all.

Learning New Skills to Support Wellbeing

 

Learning at Work Week’s theme, Many ways to learn, encourages staff to build confidence in new skills, explore different learning styles and understand the barriers that prevent people from engaging in development. In a school setting, this means giving teachers and support staff access to training that helps them recognise triggers, understand behaviour linked to emotional distress and respond with confidence.

Team Teach training is one example of how staff can learn to identify early signs of dysregulation and take preventative action. By understanding triggers and emotional responses, staff can help pupils regulate before reaching crisis point. This approach supports both safety and wellbeing in the classroom.

Recognising When a Pupil Needs Support

Teachers often build strong, trusting relationships with their pupils, which means they may be the first to notice changes in behaviour. Some signs that a pupil may be struggling include:

  • Talking or thinking about the same worries repeatedly
  • Acting out of character, such as a normally quiet pupil becoming loudSudden changes in mood or emotional outbursts
  • Persistent tiredness or lack of focus
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Avoiding friends or activities they usually enjoy

These behaviours can indicate that a pupil needs someone to talk to or may require additional support.

Taking Action: How Staff Can Respond

The Action theme encourages simple, meaningful steps that make a difference. In a school setting, this can include:

Listening. Allow pupils to express concerns without judgement. Sometimes being heard is the first step toward feeling better.

Offering support. Make pupils aware of available services such as pastoral teams, counselling or wellbeing resources.

Seeking guidance. If a concern is serious or involves safeguarding, staff should follow school procedures and escalate to the appropriate lead.

These actions align with national guidance that encourages early intervention, whole school approaches and collaborative support.

Creating a Culture of Learning and Support

Learning at Work Week encourages social learning, peer support and shared knowledge. Schools can embrace this by creating opportunities for staff to learn from one another, share strategies and build confidence in supporting mental health. This strengthens the whole school approach and ensures pupils benefit from consistent, informed support.

Continuing Professional Development

For staff who want to build their skills further, CPD opportunities such as Team Teach and mental health training can provide practical tools and confidence. These programmes help staff understand behaviour, support emotional regulation and create safer, more supportive learning environments.

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