The Power of Community in Supporting Mental Health
For Mental Health Awareness Week – 12–18 May 2025
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on community – a theme that hits close to home for anyone working in education. Because in schools, community isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a lifeline.
Whether you’re a teacher, TA, head, lunchtime supervisor, or support staff, the emotional load of school life can be heavy. Add the constant pace, pressure, and people needing you every five minutes it’s no wonder mental health can take a hit. But having a sense of community can help lighten that load.
Your School Family Matters
It’s not just the kids who need connection adults do too. Having colleagues you can laugh with, vent to, or grab a coffee with on a rough day makes a world of difference. These small interactions build a feeling of being seen and supported something every member of staff deserves.
Beyond the Staffroom
Community isn’t limited to your workplace. Whether it’s friends, neighbours, faith groups, or even an online book club having somewhere to belong outside of school can help balance the scales. It gives you space to be you, not just someone’s teacher or manager.
Mental Health Needs Community
Mental health struggles can feel isolating. But knowing you’re not alone and feeling safe enough to talk is often the first step toward healing. This year’s theme is a reminder that the communities we build and maintain can be one of our most powerful protective factors.
Reach Out, Not Just In
Let this week be a nudge to check in on your colleagues. Ask how someone’s really doing. Start that wellbeing WhatsApp group. Plan a staffroom lunch. Or simply be a friendly face in the corridor. Small gestures build strong communities and strong communities protect mental health.
To explore more resources and ideas for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
Check out more tips on wellbeing here.