Springfield School Champions Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: The Power of Community

This May, Springfield School proudly joins the national campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, a week dedicated to highlighting the importance of mental health for everyone. Spearheaded by the Mental Health Foundation, this annual initiative encourages open conversations, builds awareness, and challenges the stigma often associated with mental health challenges.

Why Mental Health Awareness Week Matters

Mental health affects everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. By talking about it openly, we promote understanding, provide support to those who are struggling, and create positive change in our school and wider community. Mental Health Awareness Week offers a vital reminder that it is okay to not be okay and that help is always available.

This Year’s Theme: Community – The Power of Connection

The 2025 theme, 'Community: The Power of Connection', shines a spotlight on the essential role that strong, positive relationships play in maintaining good mental health. Whether it's friendships, school communities, or local support groups, being part of a safe and caring environment has enormous benefits.

A healthy community gives us:

  • A sense of belonging
  • Emotional safety in difficult times
  • Opportunities for mutual support
  • A shared sense of purpose and identity

 

We are encouraging everyone to reach out, connect with others, and be part of creating a supportive atmosphere at Springfield and beyond.

Watch this year’s theme video: The Power of Connection

Mental Health and Young People

Today’s young people face many challenges - from academic pressure to social media, body image, and uncertainty about the future. Research shows that 1 in 5 young people experience mental health difficulties, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Body image concerns

 

Talking early and openly can lead to quicker support and better outcomes. That is why awareness and access to help is crucial.

Looking After Mental Health

Students can take small but powerful steps to support their mental well-being:

  • Being active: Exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Sleeping well: Aiming for 8–10 hours each night.
  • Talking to someone: Sharing feelings can make a big difference.
  • Practice mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help with stress.
  • Stick to routines: Balancing schoolwork, hobbies, and downtime is key.
  • Supporting a friend in need

 

You don’t need to be an expert to help someone. Often, just being present makes all the difference. Students can:

  • Listen without judgment
  • Encourage their friend to talk to an adult or a support service
  • Be patient - recovery takes time
  • Stay in touch, even if it’s just a quick message or chat

 

Watch this helpful video: How to Support a Friend

Challenging Stigma

Mental health stigma stops many people from seeking help. At Springfield, we are committed to:

  • Normalising mental health discussions
  • Encouraging kindness and empathy
  • Educating ourselves and others about mental health realities

 

The more we talk, the easier it becomes for others to open up and feel supported.

Where to Get Help

Students can talk to their:

Tutor, Head of Achievement, a Pastoral Manager or any trusted adult in the school

Local Support Centres in Portsmouth:

  • Off the Record – Free, confidential counselling for young people
  • CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
  • Shout – Text ‘Shout’ to 85258for 24/7 mental health support

 

Online Resources and Helplines:

 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Mental Health Awareness Week is just the beginning. At Springfield, we’re building a culture where mental health matters every day, not just for a week in May. We should continue our conversation, supporting, and looking out for each other, because we are stronger together.