Saturday 10 October marks World Mental Health Day, an opportunity for us all to reflect on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, both for ourselves and for those around us.
At the King Edward VI Foundation, we are committed to creating communities where wellbeing is valued, supported and openly discussed. As we approach World Mental Health Day, we want to remind students and colleagues across our 14 schools and central teams that support is available, and that no one should feel they have to face challenges alone.
We believe that positive wellbeing is often built through small, consistent steps. Whether it's taking a moment to check in with a colleague or fellow student, making time for a healthy habit, or seeking support when we need it, simple actions can make a meaningful difference.
Through our Care value, we strive to create environments where everyone feels valued, supported and able to flourish, recognising that wellbeing is fundamental to personal development, belonging and success. By checking in with one another, showing kindness and compassion, and ensuring support is accessible when needed, we bring our care value to life every day.
Just as our physical health can fluctuate throughout our lives, our mental wellbeing can change depending on our circumstances, experiences and the pressures we face.
There will be times when we feel resilient and able to cope with challenges, and there may be periods when we need additional support. This is a normal part of being human. Recognising when we need help, and feeling able to access it, is an important part of maintaining our wellbeing.
By continuing to have open conversations about mental health, we can help reduce stigma and create an environment where seeking support is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Wellbeing Support Across the Foundation
The Foundation has a wide range of wellbeing, safeguarding and mental health support in place for both staff and students.
Across our schools, policies and processes support key areas including:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Bereavement support
- Self-harm
- Anti-bullying
- Suicide safety
Each school also has a Senior Mental Health Lead and a nominated member of staff or team responsible for promoting staff wellbeing.
In addition, support available across the Foundation includes:
Mental Health First Aiders
Mental Health First Aid training is available to all adults across the Foundation, regardless of role. The programme focuses on adults supporting adults, equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise when someone may need help and how to guide them towards appropriate support.
Refresher sessions are available for colleagues who qualified during 2023-24, and a half-day Mental Health Awareness course will take place on 19 November.
Resources and Training
Staff wellbeing resources, guidance and training opportunities are shared regularly through the Foundation's weekly Safeguarding and Pastoral Care Bulletin, ensuring schools remain informed about available support and current best practice.
Specialist Support
Additional supervision and wellbeing support is available for safeguarding and pastoral colleagues, while students continue to have access to school-based pastoral teams, Designated Safeguarding Leads and student support services.
Schools can also access Early Help and specialist mental health services for children and young people where appropriate.
Looking After Ourselves
Supporting others starts with looking after ourselves. As we approach World Mental Health Day, colleagues are encouraged to:
- Take regular breaks throughout the working day.
- Prioritise connection with colleagues and seek support when needed.
- Maintain healthy routines, including sleep, physical activity and time away from screens.
- Remember that looking after your own wellbeing helps you to support others more effectively.
- Reach out early if you are struggling, rather than waiting until concerns become overwhelming.
Further Resources
For anyone looking to build positive wellbeing habits, Action for Happiness publishes monthly wellbeing calendars filled with simple daily actions. October's theme is Optimistic October, offering practical ways to develop optimism, resilience and connection.
Colleagues can also access the Foundation's latest safeguarding and wellbeing signposting directory through their school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, which contains details of organisations and services that can provide support to both staff and young people.
As World Mental Health Day approaches, let us all remember that wellbeing is everyone's business. By taking small actions, checking in on one another and knowing where to find support, we can continue to build a culture where every member of our Foundation community feels valued, supported and able to thrive. In doing so, we not only support individual wellbeing but also embody our CARE value, placing people, compassion and growth at the heart of everything we do.
