The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was kindness.

In this time of crisis, our schools’ significant and ongoing work, to support pupils and families’ in both developing and maintaining positive mental health, is more relevant than ever. Showing kindness towards oneself and others is essential, and it was this idea that formed the central theme of the learning that took place, both in schools and as part of our distance learning curriculums, during the week.

Some children considered the idea of a kindness bucket: “When you fill someone’s bucket, you fill your own bucket too.” Others took part in a “Random Acts of Kindness” week, in which they carried out kind deeds which they then shared with their teachers and peers. Other children worked on positive mental health tips and advice which they could offer to those struggling with feelings of anxiety or stress. Ideas offered included taking time outside, listening to music and talking through their worries with a friend or loved one.

To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week or the Mental Health Foundation, visit:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/