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International Joke Day is celebrated every year on 1st July and it is celebrated as a lighthearted occasion that encourages individuals to embrace laughter, share jokes, and cultivate stronger bonds with their loved ones.

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Time to Talk Day is an annual awareness day held at the beginning of February. It’s a day for us all to start a conversation about mental health. Talking about mental health isn't easy. But a conversation has the power to change lives.

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Download our resources, and find out how to start a life changing conversation about mental health.

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Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

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International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme: Inspire Inclusion

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FREE International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme resources to Inspire Inclusion - #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion

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https://www.saferinternetday.org/

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As a young person, you are the main target of Safer Internet Day, but that does not mean you are a passive recipient of the collective effort towards the promotion of a better internet that takes place every February. In fact, there are a wealth of opportunities for young people to make their voices heard on matters relating to their safety and wellbeing in the online world, from contacting your national Safer Internet Centre or Safer Internet Day Committee and getting involved in their youth participation schemes, to becoming an advocate of Safer Internet Day on social media by sharing your experience of the digital environment and your aspirations for a better internet - take a look at our social media plans for inspiration. You can also be the change you want to see in the (online) world by being kind and respectful to others online, by protecting your online reputation and that of others, and by seeking out positive opportunities to create, engage and share online.

Parents and carers, you play a crucial role in empowering and supporting children and young people to use digital technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Indeed, parental influence, guidance and education have a significant and long-lasting impact on children's safety and wellbeing in the online world. Therefore, there are plenty of ways for you to participate in Safer Internet Day, whether it is by ensuring an open dialogue with your children, educating them to use digital technologies safely and positively, or acting as digital role models. To help you achieve that, you may want to have a look at the SID resource gallery, where you'll find a range of resources to use with your children, from information sheets on various online opportunities and risks to conversation starters and even games, which are available in a variety of languages and for a variety of age groups. If you would like to find out more about specific actions and resources in your country, you can get in touch with your local Safer Internet Centre or Safer Internet Day Committee.

As a teacher or educator, there are various ways in which you can get involved in Safer Internet Day. Firstly, the most important way is to raise awareness - talk to your colleagues to plan whole-school actions, and provide a real focus with a day, week or even a month of safer and better internet activities. If you're looking for resources to support you in this, check out the SID resource gallery. Here, you'll find a range of resources from assembly and lesson plans, to printable games to use in the classroom, in a variety of languages and for a variety of age groups. You may also wish to make contact with your local Safer Internet Centre or Safer Internet Day Committee to find out about specific actions in your country. They may also be able to assist with more targeted resources. If your school has a social media account, you can support SID by tweeting and posting about your actions, and sharing our posts too. You can find suggested posts, visuals and covers in our social media plans.

As a representative of an organisation and industry, you are in a direct position to design, shape and adapt the platforms, services and content children and young people interact with on a daily basis. In doing so, you have the power to make a safer and better internet a concrete reality. You may get involved in Safer Internet Day by creating and promoting positive content and safe services online - to support you in doing so, we have designed a best practice guide on positive online content for children which you may find useful. You may also participate in Safer Internet Day by empowering your youngest users to respond to any issues by providing clear safety advice, a range of easy-to-use safety tools, and quick access to support if things do go wrong. Finally, we also encourage you to express your support for Safer Internet Day by posting about your actions on social media and by sharing our posts. You can find suggested posts, visuals and covers in our social media plans which will be published in the autumn of each year as we countdown to the day.

Policy makers and politicians can promote a safer and better internet by putting in place the conditions for the emergence of a culture in which all stakeholders are encouraged and empowered to make the choices that will guarantee that children and young people have the best possible online experiences. As a representative from policy, you may support Safer Internet Day by (re)affirming the need to provide opportunities in the national or local curriculum for children and young people to learn about online safety, digital and media literacy, by ensuring that parents and carers have access to appropriate information and sources of support, and that industry is encouraged to self-regulate its content and services. To make a long-lasting change to the digital environment, you also need to take the lead in governance and legislation in order to ultimately ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people through effective child protection strategies for the digital world.

Every February, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for millions of people around the world to raise awareness of children and young people's online safety and wellbeing. For this reason, media outlets can truly help multiply the global reach of Safer Internet Day by using this occasion as an opportunity to explore the importance of online safety and digital literacy for children and young people in your media production. To support you in doing so, for each campaign we develop a range of promotional materials - to begin with, take a look at the Safer Internet Day key messages. As the day approaches, we'll provide an infographic and other media assets, and publish a number of news articles about Safer Internet Day celebrations and activities around the world. If you would like to become an advocate of Safer Internet Day, have a look at our social media plans, which are full of inspiration for posts and visuals to lend your support to the day.

Tuesday, 7 February, marked the 20th edition of the global Safer Internet Day under the motto "Together for a better internet". More and more schools, parents and young people contact Child Focus' helpline for questions about online safety or call specialised centres to guide them in their media use. Professionals and parents need tips and tools to assist children and young people in their digital exploration.

Safer Internet Day (SID) has become a global landmark event in the online safety calendar with 2023 being its 20th year. Safer Internet Day is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people.

iSIGURT.al, the national platform for a safe internet in Albania, which also functions as the national line for children's internet safety, is a national service established by CRCA/ECPAT Albania in 2015. It has as its main mission the reporting and removal of harmful materials on the internet, social networks and online media that contain sexual violence against children and adolescents, bullying and extreme violence against children and young people, as well as the language of hate crimes.

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Home - Safer Internet Day - BIK Community

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Safer Internet Day (SID) is organised by Insafe in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people in Europe and across the world.

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The idea of International School Meals Day emerged as a way to raise awareness of the importance in teaching children the value of food to education and culture, the importance of good nutrition and connecting children around the world to foster healthy eating habits in school and at home.

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WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MEALS DAY!
The next International School Meals Day (ISMD) will be on Thursday 14 March 2024.

It will be the 12th ISMD, with the theme to be announced soon.

Click here to download an ISMD2023 resource pack - with activities, social media assets, posters and more!

Click here to see highlights from the 2023 ISMD and find out more on the 'shared practice' page.

Have you seen the special ISMD 10th anniversary publication?
Click here to read

Follow all ISMD activity on Twitter.

If you'd like recipe inspiration, download the ISMD 2018 international My Food cookbook, with the winning recipes from our competition.

If you have ideas or questions, get in touch!

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WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MEALS DAY! The next International School Meals Day (ISMD) will be on Thursday 14 March 2024. It will be the 12th ISMD, with the theme to be announced soon. Click here to download an ISMD2023 resource pack - with activities, social media assets, posters and more!

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At the British Dyslexia Association we know that each person with dyslexia experiences it in ways unique to them. Each will have their own set of strengths and challenges and tread their own path through life. We want to celebrate the diversity of the dyslexic community and the rich variety of lived experiences of dyslexia. That's why we have chosen the theme of Uniquely You for Dyslexia Awareness Week. You are special. You are distinctive. You are exceptional.

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Dyslexia Awareness Week 2023 - British Dyslexia Association

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At the British Dyslexia Association we know that each person with dyslexia experiences it in ways unique to them. Each will have their own set of…

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5th-11th | Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 

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5th-11th | Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 

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Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and to provide an opportunity for any organisation or individual to engage in dialogue.

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World Sleep Day is an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

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worldsleepday.org is using a security service for protection against online attacks. This process is automatic. You will be redirected once the validation is complete.

Reference ID | IP Address | Date and Time
b50d62cd4fec5a9e97dbd2e1d3747110 | 34.122.179.135 | 06/17/2022 12:12 PM UTC

Protected by StackPath

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Supporting individuals and families affected by dyspraxia/DCD

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Social Media Kindness Day is needed more now than ever before. We are asking you to make your pledge to play your part in making social media a kinder place for all.

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Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide.

We help families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children’s safety.

We want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.

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Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust's annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide.

We help families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children's safety.

We want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.
Don't miss out. Sign up here for free safety advice and resources direct to your inbox.

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Child Safety Week Save the date: Child Safety Week 2024 runs from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June. Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust's annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide.

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https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/

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Black History Month 2023 - Celebrating our Sisters | Matriarchs of Movements #WEMATTER

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In recognition of their leadership, talent, and impact, this year's Black History Month 2023 will highlight pioneering black women who have blazed a trail in literature, music, fashion, sport, business, hair, catering, academia, social and health care, and more.

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If your child is routinely waking in the night, it is important that they learn to self-settle rather than seeking a parent or joining a parent's bed. This can be difficult to enforce, and may be emotionally challenging, for both child and parent, but parents should remain firm and assertive.

If your child leaves their bed and seeks you out at night-time, try not to engage them in conversation, but lead them quietly and immediately back to bed. This may need to be repeated several times each night, but it is important that your child learns that they will receive the same response from you each time.

If your child is anxious, the use of a night light, cuddly toy or baby monitor may help them to feel safe and learn how to self-settle.

Praising your child in the morning for staying in bed at night can help reinforce good behaviour; this can be aided by the use of a reward chart or stickers, with a small token prize when a certain number of stickers/rewards have been won.

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Sleep hygiene in children and young people

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This information sheet from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) explains about sleep hygiene. The lead-up and routine around your child's bedtime is referred to as 'sleep hygiene'. Having good sleep hygiene can help your child both to settle to sleep and

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Make kindness the norm.

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Teaching resources for primary and secondary

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Black History Month takes place every October in the UK. In the United States, it is celebrated in February.
Black History Month resources
You can use this collection of teaching resources to explore black history, heritage, culture and achievements with your class.
Below you'll find content suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.

For teacher CPD, you can read this article by Josiah Isles , an assistant headteacher who has written about his experiences within the education system as a black teacher in the UK.

And we have a series of short films to help support teachers to be an ally to students from black, South Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds.

You can also catch up on our panel discussion programme, Beyond Black History Month , in partnership with TES. This programme was originally broadcast live on 21 October 2020 and features ideas and best practice around teaching black and diverse histories and experiences.

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Explore Black History Month 2023 content suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.

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Transform your workplace with our FREE 12 month kindness calendar. The calendar features monthly themes structured to create a kinder work culture. Each month offers daily ideas for individuals to complete in a few minutes or less. On top of the daily ideas, there is a team-based activity that can be used to celebrate kindness each month as a team, a small group or the whole company!

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Transform your workplace with our FREE 12 month kindness calendar. The calendar features monthly themes structured to create a kinder work culture. Each month offers daily ideas for individuals to complete in a few minutes or less.

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Black History Month Resources From The Anna Freud Centre 

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Black History Month Resources From The Anna Freud Centre 

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All the resources included focus on mental health themes, helping schools to explore ideas around diversity, self-belief, identity and the impact of racism on those who experience it.

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A set of resources for schools for Black History Month, focusing on mental health themes.

Black History Month takes place every year in October across the world.

The month presents an opportunity for children and young people to learn more about Black history and to celebrate the contributions Black people have made to society. This year, Black History Month is dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black women, with the theme of 'saluting our sisters'.

You may have already planned some curriculum content around Black History Month, looking at cultural or historical Black figures.

The resources shared here focus on mental health themes, helping schools to explore ideas around diversity, self-belief, identity and the impact of racism on those who experience it.

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Black History Month resources : Mentally Healthy Schools

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A set of resources for schools for Black History Month, focusing on mental health themes.

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White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about and taking action to prevent violence against women and girls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

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This White Ribbon Day, Saturday 25/11, we want to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls. Everyday allyship is how we stop violence before it starts.

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5th-11th | Children's Mental Health Week

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5th-11th | Children's Mental Health Week

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Children's Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year's theme is Let's Connect.

Our free resources for primary age and secondary age children and young people will help you take part in the week. Activities in our resources are designed to encourage children (and adults) to consider how we can make meaningful connections that support our mental health.

This year's theme for Children's Mental Health Week will encourage children (and adults) to look at how we can make meaningful connections.

Learn more about the theme

Help us to make Children's Mental Health Week 2023 the biggest and best yet. Social media graphics, email templates and more to help you spread the word about the week.

Help spread the word

We provide mental health services in over 500 schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more about our work, and how we could support you.

Learn more about Place2Be

Discover

Read more about the history of Children's Mental Health Week, and find out more about Place2Be's work in schools.

Learn about our work

Access resources

Our free resources for schools, families, youth groups and communities will help you take part in the week.

View our resources

Make a difference

Organise a Dress to Express day and raise vital funds to help more young people get the support they need.

Fundraise for us

Fundraise

Help us get closer to a future where children don't have to face mental health struggles alone.

Fundraise for us

How we made a difference in 2022

Schools across the UK (and the world!) took part in Children's Mental Health Week 2022. Whether you downloaded a resource to use in class, held an assembly, organised a fundraiser, made a donation, or tweeted about the week - your support helped Place2Be to reach more children, young people and families.

208415

raised for Place2Be

129000

downloads of our resources

184000

children supporting the week

Are you on the map?

Add yourself to our map, and take a look at who else is taking part near you - or on the other side of the country!

If you're planning an assembly, a lesson, a Dress to Express day, or another event or activity, we'd love to hear about it.

View our map

Donate today

Whether providing counselling and support to children when they need it most, working with parents who may be struggling, or providing invaluable mental health training to teachers and school staff - every single penny raised during Children's Mental Health Week will help to make a tangible difference right now to the lives of children and young people.

Your donation helps Place2Be make a vital difference to children in schools across the UK

Find out more about how we help

News and blogs

Keep up with the latest news and views about Children's Mental Health Week.

Children's Mental Health Week 2023: resources available now

With less than 3 months until the week, we're excited to release our free resources to help everyone get involved.

Read more

Taskmaster Education partners with Place2Be for Children's Mental Health Week

The partnership will get children across the country puzzle and problem solving during the week.

Read more

Place2Be announces theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2023

This year's theme, Let's Connect, is about making meaningful connections for all.

Read more

Tell me more

Sign up for Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week email alerts to be the first to hear about new resources.

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Children's Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year's theme is Let's Connect and our primary and secondary resources are available to download now. The week will shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental health.

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Supporting people across all ages to improve sleep, and provides sleep training to professionals in the health, social and corporate sectors.

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30th Oct-3rd Nov | International Stress Awareness Week

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30th Oct-3rd Nov | International Stress Awareness Week

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International Stress Awareness Week is our major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues. It was created in 2018 to raise awareness about stress and its harmful effects.

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Raising Awareness of Stress Around the World for 25 Years

Our goal is to raise awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our personal lives. These goals are reflected in our 2024 theme Campaigning to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

International Stress Awareness Week is our major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues. It was created in 2018 to raise awareness about stress and its harmful effects.

Stress Awareness Day, established by ISMAUK over 25 years ago, will once more take centre stage on Wednesday, 6 th November 2024. There will be an Online Global Stress Summit on this day, featuring renowned experts who will lead insightful webinars on topical subjects. Further information will follow in the new year.

You can still watch the 2023 Summit sessions until the end of the year if you are a ticketholder. Details below

Watch the Stress Awareness Day Summit Until 31st December

Our 2023 theme has been Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions. ISMA UK invited everyone working to reduce the stigma associated with stress and shaping solutions to join them in ensuring International Stress Awareness Week and Stress Awareness Day achieved the highest impact. Record numbers attended the Online Summit with very positive feedback - a selection of testimonials will appear here soon.

You can still register to attend the Global Online Stress Summit held live on 1st November. Tickets are now available at a special flat rate of £25 and you can buy them here until 31 st December, when the programme will be taken down.

View the Programme

You can still watch the 2023 Summit until 31st December. It included five interactive panel discussions on these themes -

Why Do Men Find It Hard to Talk About Their Mental Health?

Why Conversations About Money Are So Difficult

Using the Power of Music to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing

A Father and Daughter Journey with Bipolar Disorder

Navigating the Future of Work: Balancing Technology, AI and Employee Wellbeing

The programme can be seen here and the speaker profiles here. You can also access a special playlist Relax and Unwind - Your Ultimate Stress-relief Playlist, compiled to accompany the panel, Using the Power of Music to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing. It includes over 20 specially chosen pieces of music which help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

Buy a (Special Rate) Ticket

You can still buy a ticket, which we are offering at a special flat rate of £25, until the end of the year. This means you can enjoy the 2023 Online Stress Summit at any time to suit your own convenience. You can watch over 20 speakers offering expert advice and guidance on current topics related to stress, mental health, and wellbeing whenever you like until 31 st December.

It's easy to buy your ticket - simply click here to access the Eventbrite page and follow the instructions. Your ticket entitles you to see all five webinars at any time until Sunday 31 st December, when the event programme will be taken down. The Summit represents even more value for money at the £25 special rate and you will be helping ISMA UK to continue raising awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our own lives

Our Sponsors

Our sponsors this year have been MANUP?

MANUP? is a charity that seeks to change people's thoughts, opinions and minds about men and mental health. Their focus is on raising awareness about men's mental health, chipping away at stigma.

Running Your Own Event?

If you're planning to run your own event during International Stress Awareness Week 2024 or in connection with it, please let us know at admin@isma.org.uk and we'll promote it on our Events Calendar.

To help with your event, please download ISMA UK's free Stress Management Resources here, These 11 fact sheets offer valuable help and advice, are very versatile for anyone to use and can form part of training programmes or consultations.

Please also download the leaflet on the right which tells you more about them.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to join the conversation during International Stress Awareness Week, when ISMA members in the UK and internationally connect in dialogue with businesses and individuals, seeking to reduce the stigma around stress and mental health issues and developing solutions to improve the way these issues are managed. These are some of the issues on which you can share your thoughts -

What each of us can do to reduce the stigma around stress

How employers can improve the workplace culture around stress

Ways in which stress management professionals can assist

Do changes such as hybrid working help reduce stress levels?

What support is available to those suffering from stress and poor mental health?

Get Involved!

International Stress Awareness Week is our flagship event, so why not get involved in 2024? Join our campaign, help us achieve major goals, raise the profile of stress awareness and stress prevention, and promote the importance of wellbeing for individuals and organisations.

You can take part in International Stress Awareness Week in the UK or wherever you are across the world. Whether you're new to ISMAUK or already a member, Carole Spiers, Founder, International Stress Awareness Week and Chair of ISMAUK, would love to hear from you. For more information, please email chair@isma.org.uk.

International Events

Events in support of International Stress Awareness Week and stress-related events at other times take place in countries around the world. For details of 2023 events that have been held or will be taking place in Italy, Spain and India go here.

Strong Media Interest

International Stress Awareness Week and Stress Awareness Day always attract strong media interest. Coverage includes features in newspapers and magazines, on online news sites, in newsletters, in specialist forums and in professional groups, both in the UK and internationally.

Trending Worldwide

International Stress Awareness Week trends worldwide on social media, with exposure on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Please use these 2024 hashtags:

Could you help us promote International Stress Awareness Week within your network? If you would like to know more about media opportunities, please contact chair@isma.org.uk

We're interested in hearing from sponsors who would like to work with ISMA UK, the leading professional body for workplace and personal stress management, wellbeing and performance. A registered charity and membership-based organisation, ISMA UK exists to promote sound knowledge and best practice in stress management, both nationally and internationally

International Stress Awareness Week is our flagship event, and attracts substantial exposure on TV, radio and social media platforms. Companies and organisations who are taking steps to put employee wellbeing firmly on their agendas are invited to join in and support ISMA UK and International Stress Awareness Week through sponsorship.

Request a Sponsorship Pack

To receive a sponsorship pack with information about sponsorship opportunities during International Stress Awareness Week and with ISMAUK generally, please get in touch with Carole Spiers at chair@isma.org.uk or on + 44 (0) 77 688 78910

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Global Online Stress Summit | ISMA Stress Management Association

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Our goal is to raise awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our personal lives. These goals are reflected in our 2024 theme Campaigning to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

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Purple Day represents the biggest chance in the year to get the word out there about how important it is to understand epilepsy.

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Theo was diagnosed with epilepsy at nine years old after having multiple seizures. Leona, Theo's Mum, shares Theo's story and how Epilepsy Action helped to make a difference to their lives.

By getting involved this Purple Day, you can help more people like Leona and Theo get the support they need when they need it most.

Join us today in making the world a better place for people affected by epilepsy

Read Theo and Leona's story

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Purple Day is the international day for epilepsy awareness. Find out more about how purple day started, and how you can get involved!

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October is International Walk to School Month, when thousands of children across the world will be celebrating walking to school.

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Para ayudar a los visitantes a comprender la información de este sitio web en una variedad de idiomas, HSH ofrece Google Translate, que automatiza la traducción del sitio web. La herramienta no es perfecta. La traducción automática puede perder contexto, el significado completo puede perderse o las palabras pueden traducirse incorrectamente. Como resultado, HSH no puede garantizar la exactitud del texto convertido. Cualquier persona que confíe en la información obtenida de Google Translate lo hace bajo su propio riesgo. HSH se exime y no aceptará ninguna responsabilidad por daños y perjuicios de cualquier tipo causados por el uso de la función Google Translate. Cuando hay alguna duda , la versión en inglés es siempre la versión autorizada del sitio web. Es posible que algunos elementos del sitio no se traduzcan, como imágenes que contienen texto, documentos, mapas y elementos de páginas web. Además, es posible que algunas características del sitio no funcionen en las versiones traducidas. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la información que aparece en nuestro sitio, contáctenos.

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Reframing ADHD: Discovering New Perspectives. Experts answer questions in videos

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October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to encourage the nation to take action at the local level to create safe and supportive organizations. Bullying is unacceptable and comments or conduct that disparages or demonstrates hostility or aversion should not be tolerated. By being accepting, kind and inclusive, you can help make the world a better place. Together we can create a world without bullying!

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October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to encourage the nation to take action at the local level to create safe and supportive organizations. Bullying is unacceptable and comments or conduct that disparages or demonstrates hostility or aversion should not be tolerated. By being accepting, kind and inclusive, you can help make the world a better place. Together we can create a world without bullying!

The best way to get started with bullying prevention is to take advantage of the below resources.

Contact us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

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October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to encourage the nation to take action at the local level to create safe and supportive organizations. Bullying is unacceptable and comments or conduct that disparages or demonstrates hostility or aversion should not be tolerated.

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Odd Sock Day, Anti-Bullying Virtual Assembly

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Odd Sock Day, Anti-Bullying Virtual Assembly

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Since 1991, from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (Human Rights Day), the international community has observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The dates are signifiant, underscoring that violence against women is a violation of human rights.

UNFPA's 16 Days of Activism campaigns have raised awareness, mobilized advocacy and inspired action to combat gender-based violence in its many forms: sexual harassment, child marriage, female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence and rape, among other atrocities.

But this work is never over. In 2020, UNFPA provided essential services to more than 967,000 gender-based violence survivors, including those with disabilities. Over 1.7 million girls received prevention or protection services related to child, early or forced marriage, and from 2018 - 2020, 350,000 girls were prevented from undergoing female genital mutilation. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, UNFPA is committed to ending gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030.

According to the Centre for Women's Global Leadership, which launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign with participants of its Global Institute, more than 6,000 organizations in some 187 countries have participated, advancing progress toward the urgent goal of ending gender-based violence.

Wherever women and girls are is where UNFPA is, fighting for their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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#DidYouKnow: The #16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence have been observed for 30 years and counting? Learn more via @UNFPA and take action to #ENDviolence: unf.pa/16Days

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Since 1991, from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (Human Rights Day), the international community has observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The dates are signifiant, underscoring that violenc

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Anti-Bullying Primary/ Secondary Resource Packs 

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Anti-Bullying Primary/ Secondary Resource Packs 

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We have developed lots of free school resources for Anti-Bullying Week 2022: Reach Out which you can find below.

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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

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The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

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For Early Years

Spread kindness with Elmer the Elephant

Anti-Bullying Week and Friendship Friday is a great time to promote positive friendships with Early Years. Want to join the fun? Here's how you can get involved.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is an official partner of Friendship Friday, and we are proud to work together to spread kindness to children and families throughout England and Wales. Together, we've developed lesson plans and activities for early years settings that help spread kindness and support positive relationship development.

Sign up and gain access to:

A Friendship Friday pack bursting with ideas and activities for children to learn about friendship, feelings, celebrating difference and more

Special Elmer stickers

An Elmer colouring sheet

A beautiful Elmer poster

You can access the resources here.

Win a book bundle

Win an Elmer book bundle for your nursery, pre-school or library with our Build A Model Elmer competition! Simply turn junk into a model of Elmer.

To take part in the competition, follow Kidscape and Andersen Press on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, using #friendshipfriday with a photo or video of your Elmer model. The deadline for all entries is Friday 2nd December 2022.

Please make sure you have appropriate permissions if you include any photos or videos of children.

We will choose three winning entries by Friday 16th December who will each win a fantastic Elmer book bundle for their nursery, pre-school or library.

Fundraise for Kidscape

Help raise vital funds for Kidscape with children and families while getting to know one another better! We've got resources to help with all your fun fundraisers:
Wear your brightest colours on a dress up day Hold a yummy cake sale Take a mindful walk in nature Take a look at our other fundraising ideas
You can use our sponsorship form to get those all-important donations!

Read books about kindness together

Take a look at this lovely book list from our friends at Peters booksellers. The books have been chosen on the theme of positive friendships.

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Anti-Bullying Week and Friendship Friday is a great time to promote positive friendships with Early Years. Want to join the fun? Here's how you can get involved. Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is an official partner of Friendship Friday, and we are proud to work together to spread kindness to children and families throughout England and Wales.

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Every year, International Stress Awareness Week raises awareness for stress-related mental health issues, including the stigma preventing people's recovery and the importance of stress management professionals, like our speakers.

Check out our selection of top stress management speakers in this article, along with everything you need to know about International Stress Awareness Week 2022.

What is Stress Awareness Week?

Coined in 2018, International Stress Awareness Week expanded upon Stress Awareness Day, which started in 1998, to draw further attention to the issue.

Founded from one of the most important international days, the event works in unison with the Mental Health Awareness campaign to impact business leaders, Governments, and the public alike.

The purpose of Stress Awareness Week is to highlight the physical and mental impact of stress, as well as what we must all do to safeguard our wellbeing.

When is International Stress Awareness Week 2022?

International Stress Awareness Week runs from the 7th to the 11th of November.

As Covid-19 has caused an increase in mental health issues, particularly loneliness and grief, this International Stress Awareness Week will focus on emotional management. It will also discuss the lack of investment in mental health services, as highlighted by the pandemic's devastating impact.

Why is stress management important?

With 74% of people reportedly unable to cope with the levels of stress in their lives, stress management is more important now than ever. The psychological effects of stress result in 61% feeling anxious, and a worrying 32% with suicidal thoughts.

What are the most common causes of stress?

With such staggering statistics in mind, International Stress Awareness Week is a vital event for us all to recognise, particularly in the workplace where burnout is common.

As the humble office is the cause of so much stress, which includes the financial and emotional pressures of work, corporate speakers are in high demand for their transformative power.

Stress management speakers are regularly booked to arm employees with a toolbox of wellbeing strategies, ideal for reducing their stress levels at work.

( Source: Mental Health Foundation & The American Institute of Stress)

Stress Management Speakers

Below is a selection of our influential stress management speakers, perfect for a multitude of events, from corporate workshops to global webinars.

Samantha Clarke

Owner of Samantha&, Samantha Clarke 's consultancy service has benefited the likes of Shopify, Virgin Media, and Giorgio Armani. She is a pioneer of happiness and wellbeing, using her knowledge of psychology she sets the standard for workplace culture, reducing the impact of stress in offices across the globe.

When booked for events, Samantha supplies a toolbox for mental wellbeing, equipped with startling statistics and transformative techniques. A speaker like Samantha will ignite passion in your team.

Previous testimonials of Samantha's include:

"It was very obvious that Samantha loves what she does and cares about helping people. She genuinely cared about the problem we were having on our team and thought very critically about what could be done to help solve it."

- Shopify Studio Team

Dr Sam Wass

Specialising in child psychology, Dr Sam Wass has dedicated his career to the study of stress, as well as such disorders as Autism and ADHD. In children, stress can have a devasting effect on their neurological development, as discovered through Dr Wass' studies.

He uses these discoveries to educate parents and schoolteachers, highlighting the impact of their behaviour and the importance of emotional support. Audiences will recognise Dr Wass from his role on Channel 4's Secret Lives of Four-Year-Olds, where he supplied insightful psychological analysis of the children's behaviour.

Previous testimonials of Dr Wass' include:

"Asking Dr Sam Wass to be keynote speaker at each of our four Annual Conferences was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Absolutely every delegate raved about his presentation."

- Early Excellence

Ollie Ollerton

Driven by his military experiences, Ollie Ollerton is a leading authority on stress management. Having suffered from PTSD, he understands more than most the impact of mental health on every facet of our lives.

Now, Ollie is a trained PRISM practitioner and founder of Break-Point, a corporate training programme that fuels communication, collaboration and emotional wellbeing. Ollie's workshops are renowned for their strategies on stress management. Best known from SAS: Who Dares Wins, audiences resonate with Ollie's story.

Previous testimonials of Ollie include:

"Ollie was brilliant, his speech was insightful, motivating and relevant. We had really good feedback from those who attended and our Project Director was very impressed. Ollie was a pleasure to work with yesterday so please pass my thanks and feedback on to him. From myself, and on behalf of the LM Leadership, a massive thank you to Champions and Ollie."

- LM JV

Dr Brené Brown

Bestselling author and top TED talk speaker, Dr Brené Brown is a pioneer of the emotional intelligence philosophy. Her research lectures are world-renowned, as Dr Brown's unbeatable insight into vulnerability, stress management and leadership are respected by professionals across the globe.

As a speaker, she has presented for Disney, Google, and NASA, to name just a few of her previous bookings, a testament to Dr Brown's reputation on the circuit. Awarded the 2019 HR Dive's Innovator of the Year, her podcast, lectures, and speeches uncover the secrets of stress management.

Dr Brown's speaking topics include:

Dare to Lead

Rising Strong

Braving the Wilderness

Courage & Determination

Emotional Management

Simon Cohen

A speaker with a difference, Simon Cohen 's unique perspective on leadership has benefited business owners from across the globe. He specialises in innovation and emotional wellbeing, a signature approach that has led Simon to appear on Sky News and present at the International Festival of Creativity.

Simon has been booked by the World Economic Forum and UNESCO, to name a few of his previous clients, a testament to his global reputation. When booked for events, he discusses the secrets to emotional management.

Simon Cohen's speaking topics include:

Leadership

Social Innovation

Successful Start-Ups

Sustainable Business Growth

Communication

How to Book a Speaker:

To book one of our impactful stress management speakers, browse and select the desired topic and simply complete our online booking form or call us on 0207 1010 553. For all your webinar needs, check out our free ultimate guide.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness and need somebody to turn to, please see Mind's helplines.

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International Stress Awareness Week 2022: What, When & Which Speakers Can Help?

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Every year, International Stress Awareness Week raises awareness for stress-related mental health issues, including the stigma preventing people's recovery and the importance of stress management professionals, like our speakers. Check out our selection of top stress management speakers in this article, along with everything you need to know about International Stress Awareness Week 2022.

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Exam Stress | How To Deal with Exam Stress

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It's normal to feel a bit worried about exams, but sometimes they can make you feel anxious or depressed. Find out how you can deal with exam stress.

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If you feel that you cannot cope with the pressures you are under, you might be stressed. This page explains the common symptoms and causes of stress. It also looks at some of the ways you can try to reduce stress.

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The campaign is set up to raise awareness of all aspects of grief and loss, to normalize the concept of grief, and to better equip those who are experiencing grief or those who have not yet experienced this emotion.

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By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action this WSPD.

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Every Life Matters | Suicide Prevention Day

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Every Life Matters | Suicide Prevention Day

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facebook twitter linkedin2 google-plus instagram

Light a candle on World Suicide Prevention Day

8pm on the 10th of September 2022 in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith and Whitehaven.
These events are an opportunity to come come together in solidarity with others who have lost family members, friends and colleagues to suicide, and those who want to show their support for people in our communities who are living with thoughts of suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. That our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

These are simple and informal events. There will be no speeches, ceremony or pressure to speak to others, unless you want to.

Last years event was very beautiful and touching. For me it's been very important to feel part of a shared community in the years after I lost my brother in the most tragic way. This was an event to remember those who we miss so dearly in quiet solidarity. It also makes you realise just how many people have been effected - people that share an understanding of this loss like nobody else ever could. Lisa - Carlisle

People are encouraged to turn up anytime from 7:00pm onwards.

Candles are available at the marquee if you haven't brought your own. Pictures of a lost loved one and messages of support are also welcomed. These can be taken away as you leave or can be left with us. We'll take great care of these items. They serve as a precious reminder to us of the importance and urgency of our charities work.
We will share a minute of silence and reflection together at 8:00pm.
You are welcome to stay around after 8:00pm to talk to others, or to members of Every Life Matters who will be on hand to welcome you, to listen to you, and to inform you about support available for those bereaved by suicide and those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Events are based outside, but if it is raining or excessively windy we will move inside or under shelter at each venue.

We looking forward to seeing you there.

Barrow-in-Furness, Town Hall

Opposite The Forum on Duke Street

Carlisle Cathedral

Cathedral grounds off Castle Street

Kendal, The Bird Cage

On the corner of Stricklandgate and Finkle Street

Maryport, Memorial Gradens

War Memorial Gardens on Curzon Street

Penrith, St Andrews Church

In the grounds of the church

Whitehaven - St Nicholas Church

In the church grounds

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World Suicide Prevention Day - Every Life Matters

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facebook twitter linkedin2 google-plus instagram 8pm on the 10th of September 2022 in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Maryport, Penrith and Whitehaven. These events are an opportunity to come come together in solidarity with others who have lost family members, friends and colleagues to suicide, and those who want to show their support for people in our communities who are living with thoughts of suicide.

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Understanding the facts can help you to help someone struggling to cope.

Myth: People who talk about suicide aren't serious and won't go through with it.

Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die.

It's possible that someone might talk about suicide as a way of getting attention, in the sense of calling out for help.

It's important to always take someone seriously if they talk about feeling suicidal. Helping them get the support they need could save their life.
The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die - they do not want to live the life they have.
Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there's nothing you can do.

Fact: Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary, even if someone has been feeling low, anxious or struggling to cope for a long period of time. This is why getting the right kind of support at the right time is so important.

Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide.

Fact: 1 in 5 people have thought about suicide at some time in their life. And not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time they die.

However, many people who kill themselves do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree. Sometimes it's known about before the person's death and sometimes not.

Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.

Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is very important. It's why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.

Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it.

Fact: Suicide can be a taboo topic. Often, people who are feeling suicidal don't want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don't discuss it.

But, by asking someone directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing.

Once someone starts talking they've got a better chance of discovering options that aren't suicide.

Evidence shows asking someone if they're suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to, and hopefully less trapped. Their feelings are validated, and they know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life.

Rory O'Connor, Professor of Health Psychology at Glasgow University

Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.

Fact: Suicide is complex, and it's not just related to the seasons and the climate being hotter or colder, and having more or less light. In general, suicide is more common in the spring, and there's a noticeable peak in risk on New Year's Day.

Myth: People who say they are going to take their own life are just attention seeking and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Fact: People who say they want to end their lives should always be taken seriously.

It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help, and helping them get support may save their life.

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Understanding the facts can help you to help someone struggling to cope. Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die.

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Each year on this day, children and teens are encouraged to ‘take over the kitchen’ by involving them in the preparation and planning of the day’s meals (under the supervision of parents/guardians where required!). From this experience, the hope is that these budding master chefs will learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits – the start of a battle against many very serious health issues facing many youngsters today.

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Involve your kids in cooking and meal prep to teach them valuable lessons about making food…and hopefully to give yourself a break from all the cooking.

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Youth Mental Health Day encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives all year round. Each year, the day aims to get young people, and those who support them, talking about how to improve mental health. Get involved in this year’s Youth Mental Health Day (YMHD) and support stem4 in it’s mission to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early intervention in teenage mental health issues.

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What is stem4's Youth Mental Health Day? Youth Mental Health Day encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives all year round. Each year, the day aims to get young people, and those who support them,

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A brief guide full of tips to help you make and strengthen relationships, negotiate some tricky situations, and feel more confident and able to #ConnectMeaningfully.

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Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.

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25th-29th | International Week of Happiness at Work

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25th-29th | International Week of Happiness at Work

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MORE NEWS, BLOGS, STORIES

Guest blogpost by Stephanie Haywood   When you work in the healthcare system, it can be challenging to find the time for self-care. But taking care of yourself—inside and out—will…

One of our long term partners Eliza Goh, the Happiness Firm, is Chief Happiness at Work in Malaysia. Next to her other business, she inspires managers and companies to join…

Happicards aren’t your grandma’s greeting card (unless she is very funny and cheers on her coworkers). Sharing praise, recognition, and gratitude with your team and coworkers is super easy with…

Read all our news

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International Week of Happiness at Work - join us! Sign the manifesto

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Everybody wants to be happy. Also at work. We spend a lot of time at work after all. Plus, when we are happy at work, we are likely to also be happier in the rest of our life. We believe that Happiness at Work should be on the list of top priorities of all organizations, big and small, national and international.

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Ask a Stupid Question Day encourages you to overcome your fear of sounding uneducated, and opening yourself to learning by asking your stupidest questions.

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We've all done it, had that question we wanted to ask that just sounded astoundingly stupid. We're embarrassed that it even occurred to us, and worse, that we didn't know the answer when it seemed so simple. The truth is there is no such thing as a stupid question, except the one that you choose not to ask. We never learn anything if we're afraid to ask the question to begin with, whether that's by researching it or asking someone who might know. Ask a Stupid Question Day encourages you to overcome your fear of sounding uneducated, and opening yourself to learning by asking your stupidest questions.

Learn about Ask a Stupid Question Day

You have probably heard the saying "there is no such thing as a stupid question." Ask a Stupid Question Day was created by a collection of teachers who wanted to make children feel encouraged to ask more questions in the classroom. If you can remember your school days, there were probably only a couple of people who felt comfortable asking any question, right? For many of us, we can remember feeling nervous and shy about the prospect of putting our hand in the air and asking something. We would worry that the question was stupid and that everyone would laugh at us. However, asking questions is such an important part of the learning process, and so it is important that we encourage children to feel comfortable asking any sort of query. It is also a vital part of the educational process from a teacher's standpoint as well. Asking questions serves as effective feedback, helping them to get a better understanding of what their students need assistance with.

Ask a Stupid Question Day presents the opportunity for children who are shy to speak up and ask a question, no matter how scary this may seem or how stupid they fear the question may be. It is noy only about encouraging children to be more inquisitive, but it is about creating a friendly, positive, and encouraging classroom environment so that kids are not worried about being laughed at. When you take this into account, it is not difficult to see why a number of different countries around the world pay honor to Ask a Stupid Question Day.

Aside from getting the answer to something, there are a number of other benefits that you will make the most of if you start to ask more questions. After all, we learn about life by answering questions. This is something that has been scientifically proven! When children ask the question "why" and they start to observe and try out different things, they learn about the world. That is not the only benefit that is associated with asking many questions. The more questions you ask, the better answers you get! Questioning also makes you open. You form new patterns in the brain and you enrich your knowledge and outlook on life. Plus, asking the right questions creates a sense of happiness, and it makes you wiser in the process too. There is always something new to learn, right?

History of Ask a Stupid Question Day

During the 1980's a bunch of teachers realized that their students weren't asking questions for fear of sounding stupid. So they created a day dedicated to letting students ask the questions they were most ashamed of. By making a place that was safe for all questions, they were encouraging them to open up and share their curiosity with the class, without the fear of being ridiculed. Ever since then Ask a Stupid Question Day has been an annual tradition celebrated by American Schools everywhere, and has recently travelled into Britain and India.

The kind of questions that get asked cover an incredibly diverse amount of topics, from the philosophical "What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?", to the more practical "Is the nose the center of the face?" There's even more questions that are equally odd in their nature, but are ponderances about human behavior, like "Why do we press harder on a remote control when the batteries are going dead?" and the humours "What does cheese say when it gets its picture taken?"

Ask a Stupid Question Day is dedicated to all these questions and more.

How to celebrate Ask a Stupid Question Day

Ask a Stupid Question Day is celebrated by digging into your brain and asking those questions that occur to you while you're standing in the shower, or are simply pondering the meaning of life. Maybe you're wondering about some cultural phenomena that doesn't seem to have a logical origin, or are curious about how something got its name. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to get out there and ask it and encourage others to do so too. Want to keep it anonymous? Get together with a bunch of friends and write your questions down on a slip of paper, and put it into a hat, then pull them out randomly and ask them of the group and see what kind of answers you get.

The best way to encourage other people to ask stupid questions is to ask such questions yourself. Feel free to ask as many queries throughout the day as you wish, and don't worry about feeling stupid in the process! After all, we all have things that we want to know more about, and we will never enrich our knowledge if we don't ask those important questions! Asking these questions on the likes of forums and social media platforms can encourage conversation and it can give people the push that they need to ask more questions too.

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Curiosity doesn't kill the cat. In fact, it's a sign of courage, intelligence, and growth. Embrace the unknown and ask away!

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29th | National Teaching Assistants' Day

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29th | National Teaching Assistants' Day

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National Teaching Assistants’ Day is an awareness day taking place for 2023 on Friday 29th September . Schools across the UK celebrate their own TAs and nominate their favourites for our Teaching Assistant of the Year award.

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When I saw an ex-pupil who struggled at school now doing so well in their young adult life and they said to me "Thanks Miss for helping me, I am at college now". Not taking any credit but was a nice moment.
Julie
When a young boy Y7 came up to me while I was on break duty to tell me his tooth had fell out. He was standing there holding it to show me. I said "when you get home put it under your pillow and see what the tooth fairy leaves you". He replied, "my mum doesn't have any money, so I won't get anything". I nearly cried. As soon as the break bell went, I ran to the staffroom grabbed a £1 from my purse and found him in the dinning room. I called him over and gave him the £1, his little face lit up, he was delighted, bless him.
Irene

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National Teaching Assistants' Day | 29 September

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On 29 September, we celebrate everything Teaching Assistants do for children and schools. Join the celebrations. #NationalTADay

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6th-8th | Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah (Judaism Celebration)

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6th-8th | Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah (Judaism Celebration)

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World Mental Health Day (10 Oct) is a day to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It's also a day to let people know that it's okay to ask for help, no matter what you're going through.

As the theme of World Mental Health Day highlights, 'mental health is a universal human right'. That's why at Mental Health Foundation, we're dedicated to addressing the inequalities in mental health and working towards good mental health for all, not just for some. Read more below.

This year, over 260,000 people have had a Tea & Talk for World Mental Health Day - raising vital funds for mental health! Every donation supports our life-changing work and brings us closer to a world with good mental health for all.
Donate now

Share on social media, at work, or in your community

Join us in raising awareness about mental health on social media by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Download images to share on social media or a poster to print:

Whether you wore your green ribbon to show your support, held a Tea & Talk, or got involved another way - we want to hear from you!

Share a photo of what you've been up to on Instagram and tag us at @mentalhealthfoundation.

We know that mental health is a universal human right. But despite this, some groups face more barriers to good mental health than others.

Inequalities in mental health lead to certain groups facing disproportionately higher rates of mental health issues.

This needs to be urgently addressed. And that's why we focus our research, policy & advocacy work, and programmes on the groups most affected. This includes families, young people, people with long-term health conditions, and refugees and asylum seekers.

We drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives.

With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.
Learn more

Talking about your mental health

1. Choose someone you trust to talk to

This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don't know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.

2. Think about the best place to talk

It's important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you're less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.

3. Prepare yourself for their reaction

Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there's a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that's the case, try to give them time to process what you've told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don't forget to be kind to yourself and practise self-care.

Talking to someone about their mental health

1. Find a good space to talk without distractions

If you're worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.

2. Listen and ask questions

Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you're actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you're actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they're saying, and not changing the subject.

3. Ask how you can help

Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what's going on in your life.

References

1. Marmot, M., Allen, J., Goldblatt, P., Boyce, T., McNeish, D., Grady, M., & Geddes, I. (2010). Fair society, healthy lives: Strategic review of health inequalities in England post 2010. Retrieved from instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/ fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review [Accessed 07/11/16].

2. Eaton, V., Ward, C., Womack, J., & Taylor, A. (2011). Mental Health and Wellbeing in Leeds: An Assessment of Need in the Adult Population. NHS Leeds.

3. Raj, D., Stansfeld, S., Weich, S., Stewart, R., McBride, O., Brugha, T., ... & Papp, M. (2016). Chapter 13: Comorbidity in mental and physical illness. In S. McManus, P. Bebbington, R. Jenkins, & T. Brugha (Eds.), Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014. Leeds: NHS Digital.

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We celebrate World Mental Health Day every year on 10 October. The theme for 2023 is 'Mental health is a universal human right'.

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Mental Health Awareness Day Toolkit of Resources

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Mental Health Awareness Day Toolkit of Resources

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A toolkit of resources for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, highlighting this year's theme of loneliness.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place this year from 9 th May to 15 th May, and schools and colleges across the UK will be thinking of ways to mark the week with their students.

The theme for 2022 is loneliness - the experience of feeling lonely, its effect on our mental health and how we can play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.

Schools and colleges can explore this theme in a number of ways - getting students thinking about their friendships, relationships and support systems, about how best to support others, and self-care strategies to employ if they ever feel lonely.

In this toolkit, we are sharing a number of resources to help schools and colleges highlight the theme of loneliness and open up wider discussions about wellbeing with students.

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 toolkit of resources : Mentally Healthy Schools

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A toolkit of resources for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, highlighting this year's theme of loneliness. Mental Health Awareness Week takes place this year from 9 th May to 15 th May, and schools and colleges across the UK will be thinking of ways to mark the week with their students.

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Be proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ+ equality this National Coming Out Day!

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Be proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ+ equality this National Coming Out Day!

Sharing our authentic selves with others is not always safe or easy, and it is not a one-day event - but when possible, it can be an extraordinarily powerful key to breaking down the barriers we face as LGBTQ+ people.

Our community continues to stay resilient despite living in a State of Emergency. We are still coming together, celebrating ourselves and advocating for our rights. It is more important than ever that we join together to send a clear message against the over 580 bills: We are not going anywhere.

National Coming Out Day: Pledge to Come Out Against Hate!

Join us and thousands of other LGBTQ+ people and allies and take the pledge to Come Out Against Hate today!

Race, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, gender expression, sexual orientation and gender identity should never be barriers to us living our full lives. Coming out or inviting someone in is a personal choice and is often a significant part of reclining this right and living in our identity publicly. We all deserve the right to live our lives genuinely, completely and honestly.

Visit our Coming Out Resources Center and check out our resources to help you live openly at home, at work and in your community.

Project THRIVE Webinar: "Breaking Down the Closet Door"

Join us and Mental Health America on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, for a webinar featuring youth and their parents around the coming out process with families. The discussion is for parents, caregivers and youth-serving professionals to better understand how to engage with youth who are coming out and how to create affirming spaces.

RSVP today!

Coming Out At Work

We've created a resource of questions to ask your employer and things to think about if you are considering coming out at work.

Learn more!

"Coming Out" vs. "Inviting In"
"Coming Out" has been the common term for someone who acknowledges being LGBTQ+ and it is used throughout our resources. However, it is important to note that this language centers the persons we are coming out to rather than us. It gives the impression that people who don't identify as cisgender or heterosexual are hiding something from society, rather than acknowledging how homophobia and transphobia create an unwelcoming environment. When publicly identifying as LGBTQ+, you are inviting people into a part of your life that should be protected and celebrated. You are not asking for permission to be you. You control the narrative, as well as who and what you allow into your life.

Remember, you are not alone. No matter where you are in your journey, we wish you a full, rich, authentic life - a life free from bias, discrimination and hate - and we are working hard every single day to make sure that is a reality for you and for everyone. We are gonna build a world where every LGBTQ+ person can be healthy, safe, liberated, celebrated and joyful in every area of our lives - without exception. Let's do it together.

Join Us to Support LGBTQ+ Communities

The History of National Coming Out Day

The first National Coming Out Day, organized by Jean O'Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg with the National Coming Out Day organization, was observed on October 11, 1988, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In 1993, the National Coming Out Day organization merged with us, formally known as the Human Rights Campaign Fund. We created the National Coming Out Project in 1996, which is part of our ongoing work that goes beyond the activities on October 11 to provide resource guides and information to people who are coming out or those interested in understanding the journey. During the first few years of the project, Artist Keith Haring contributed his 1988 famous image of a person stepping out of the closet to our project and it continues to be a staple in supporting our work providing resources to the LGBTQ+ community.

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Celebrate all who have come out as LGBTQ+ with our exclusive Keith Haring T-Shirt. Haring was an American pop artist/activist and part of the legendary NYC art scene in the 1980s and he contributed this artwork to us in 1993.

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Be proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ+ equality this National Coming Out Day! Sharing our authentic selves with others is not always safe or easy, and...

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15th | Sharad Navratri (Hindu Celebration)

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15th | Sharad Navratri (Hindu Celebration)

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17th | International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

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17th | International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

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Ace Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness, build community, and create change around the world.

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Ace Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness, build community, and create change around the world.

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We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2023. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms. At The Proud Trust, we often talk about the quote "if you can see it you can be it..." The opportunity that positive education during LGBT+ History Month provides is therefore twofold:

1. To give young people the knowledge to understand and embrace the rich diversity of the world they live in, and for some, the words to describe their own experiences.

2. To make visible the LGBT+ people who have been successful in a myriad of different professions.

This year's theme "Behind the Lens" gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the lives and professional accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, many of who work outside of the limelight in the fields of photography, film making, TV, music and fashion.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2022: The Arc is Long

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2022, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK.

This year's theme "The Arc is Long" is inspired by a Martin Luther King quote:

'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'
The quote is thought to mean that although it is taking a long time, we are curving/moving towards social justice and fairness.

This theme provides us with the opportunity to explore the idea of social justice and changing attitudes towards LGBT+ people. While we have come a long way in terms of inclusion and attitudes towards same gender relationships and equal marriage, there is still a great deal of work that can happen in terms of positive trans (including non-binary) representation and inclusion.

We extend a massive proud "shout out" to Finn, a Proud Trust young person who designed this year's LGBT+ History Month logo and badge, firmly taking their own place in LGBT+ history! Can a young person from your school or youth group design next year's logo? See session two in the pack!

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2021: BODY, MIND, SPIRIT

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2021, as always, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. The theme this year of Body, Mind and Spirit has provided us with much opportunity to explore the complexities of who we are and what we can aspire to be. There is even a chance for young people to design the LGBT+ History Month logo and badge for 2022, taking their own place in LGBT+ history!

This year also sees the launch of "The Classroom" on our sister Rainbow Flag Award website. Here you will find the 2021 LGBT+ History Month activity pack already prepared for classroom use, with PowerPoints and lesson plans. Explore The Rainbow Flag Award Classroom, with many other free LGBT+ inclusive lessons for you to download and deliver.

We recognise that this year, you might be delivering the LGBT+ History Month activities online. As such, the digital activity assets have been provided separately, for you to download and make use of, on your chosen online platform.

Please note, if you have an issue downloading these resources, it could be down to your schools firewall settings. If you download it outside of your workplace, you shouldn't experience any issues.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2020: POETRY PROSE AND PLAYS

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2020, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. This year, the whole of LGBT+ History Month has been dedicated to Lyra McKee, the journalist and LGBT+ activist who was shot dead during rioting in Northern Ireland in 2019. With that in mind, we're grateful to Sara Canning, Lyra's partner at the time of her death, for writing the foreword to this years pack.

The theme this year of Poetry, Prose and Plays provides us with rich pickings in terms of activities for young people. We hope you will enjoy delivering the four sessions, one on terminology, then one of each of poetry, prose and plays. This pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, English, drama or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2019: PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND ACTIVISM

The 2019 theme was of such great importance, enabling an exploration of LGBT+ activism in the year that marked 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBT+ rights and history. It is crucial that the struggles and fights of others, to give us the lives we have today, are recognised. It is also so important that we understand the fights that are still continuing to happen, and still need to happen, to give folk liberation and peace.

Our thanks are extended to Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, founder of UK Black Pride, who has kindly written the thought provoking foreword to this years pack.

This four session pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2018: GEOGRAPHY - MAPPING OUR WORLD

We're thrilled to bring you the LGBT History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2018, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. We're also delighted that Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey, co-founder of Harvey Milk Foundation and international LGBT rights campaigner, has also contributed, by writing the foreword.

This three session pack will help you bring LGBT awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, history or geography! This years pack has been quality assured by the PSHE Association.

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2017: CITIZENSHIP, PSHE AND LAW

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Free LGBT+ History Month Resources- The Proud Trust

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We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2023. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms. At The Proud Trust, we often talk about the quote "if you can see it you can be it..."

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31st | International Transgender Day of Visibility

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31st | International Transgender Day of Visibility

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TDOV takes place on March 31st each yearto celebrate trans and non-binary people and raise awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide.

Increasing media backlash towards trans people has begun in the wake of the NHS GIC consultation in 2017 and the upcoming consultation on the reformation of the Gender Recognition Act expected in Spring 2018.

Here at LGBT Foundation, we are aware that there is a lot of pressure on trans and non-binary people to conform, change and prove their gender to others. We believe that all trans people, regardless of identity, expression, or orientation, are enough just as they are. Therefore, for TDoV 2018, we would like to help empower trans people to celebrate who they are, and encourage allies to voice solidarity with the trans community.

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TDOV takes place on March 31st each yearto celebrate trans and non-binary people and raise awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide. Increasing media backlash towards trans people has begun in the wake of the NHS GIC consultation in 2017 and the upcoming consultation on the reformation of the Gender Recognition Act expected in Spring 2018.

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Stonewall- Transgender Day of Visibility 

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Stonewall- Transgender Day of Visibility 

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Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.

It also provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and realistic representation - and for allies to learn more about how they can stand in solidarity. Visibility is crucial. Without exposure to others who think, feel, and live in a similar way to us - especially for those who exist outside of society's norms - we can feel lost and alone. Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.

Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.

When learning about trans and non-binary experiences, it's important to understand the diversity of this community. We can only do this by listening directly to trans and non-binary voices, and by learning about our history. This year, we're spotlighting a range of trans stories from the UK and beyond. Hear from trans couple, Jack and Hannah Graf, about their journey into parenthood. Explore the very common misconception that all trans people have had, or must undergo, surgery in order to be valid in their identity. Or learn about the history of Berlin's Institute of Sexology, one of the first institutes in the world to offer gender-affirming surgeries to trans patients.

It's also crucial for Western communities to broaden our understanding of trans identities on a global scale.

It's also crucial for Western communities to broaden our understanding of trans identities on a global scale. This helps us recognise and unlearn Eurocentric understanding of gender, to understand the long-lasting impacts of colonialism on citizens of post-colonial countries, and to challenge ongoing racial injustices worldwide. After all, trans and non-binary identities are not new or unique to any one demographic.

While communities around the world may use different terminology, gender-variance has long existed, persisted, and thrived. One such culture and community are the Hijras in South Asia. The West may group these women as transgender, intersex, or as castrated men, but in South Asia, the Hijra have been historically categorised as a third gender. While this categorisation provides certain safeties, the community are socially excluded and kept on the extreme margins of society. This leaves them both extremely visible and eternally invisible. While they often perform at events and bless babies, they also struggle to find secure employment, and many make a living through unsafe sex work.

This Trans Day of Visibility, we're happy to share a short film by documentary film-maker Lily Vetch that offers direct insight into the Hijra experience, featuring an interview with Dhaka-based Rani Chowdhury and scenes of dance rehearsals with a male partner. With so much harmful rhetoric in mainstream media presenting trans and non-binary identities as a novel trend, today we're drawing attention to the rich and diverse history encompassed under the trans umbrella, and amplifying the voices and experiences of the most marginalised members of the community.

Without action - and true systemic change that supports the needs of the trans community - visibility can easily create further instability.

So, visibility is important. But is it enough? While positive representation can lead to wider acceptance in society, trans people also experience concerted pushback. We've seen dozens of examples of anti-trans legislation sweeping through different states across the US in recent months, and trans people's identities are treated merely as a debating topic in the UK media. Without action - and true systemic change that supports the needs of the trans community - visibility can easily create further instability.

Today, we all have a role to play. Along with sharing trans peoples' stories far and wide, make sure to support campaigns and mutual aid networks, so that in future trans people can be more than simply visible - they can thrive.
Follow us across social channels to listen to, and learn, from the stories we are spotlighting today.

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Trans Day of Visibility: A Global Perspective

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Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide. It also provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and...

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We look at how LGBT+ History Month has changed since its creation.

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26th Feb-3rd March | Eating Disorder Awareness Week

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26th Feb-3rd March | Eating Disorder Awareness Week

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Around 1 in 4 people with eating disorders are men. And yet in 2023, their symptoms can still go unnoticed by those around them.

We'd sooner put the signs down to fussy eating, a busy schedule - even a cry for attention. Right? Not quite.

Just like Bruno, "we don't talk about" eating disorders in men.

Just like the reboot of Cats, they can't be brushed under the carpet (try as we might).

And just like The Da Vinci Code, they can be pretty hard to crack.

BREAKING THE MOULD

To better understand these complex mental illnesses - and put gender stereotypes to bed - we launched the UK's biggest survey to date on men's experiences with eating disorders.

Of those that took part, 1 in 5 had never spoken out about their struggles. 6 in 10 were disappointed with the help available to men. And 4 in 5 felt raising awareness would help more men get treatment sooner.

THAT'S WHERE YOU COME IN

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, you can help us set the record straight. You can start conversations, share our video and spread the word:

Yes - men get eating disorders.

But really, stranger things have happened.
So let's #HelpMenGetHelp.
HEAR IT FROM HIM

From start to finish, a remarkable group of men helped guide our campaign. Men across the UK, who've battled different eating disorders - and come out the other side.

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Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2023 - EDAW 2023

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Around 1 in 4 people with eating disorders are men. And yet in 2023, their symptoms can still go unnoticed by those around them. We'd sooner put the signs down to fussy eating, a busy schedule - even a cry for attention. Right? Not quite.

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Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals.

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The Stress Awareness Month

Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we're facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa. The reality is they cannot be separate - they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals.

Take Action

For many years, our focus has been on opening a dialogue and creating a safe space for people to have that conversation. To talk about the impact stress creates in their professional and personal lives. We have always chosen themes for stress awareness month that are relevant, and reflective of societal challenges. For this year, we had to think very carefully about how we take this a step further.

Through our campaign #choosehope we have learned that having hope is imperative to find a way through and beyond our challenges, however, hope isn't just a feeling, it inspires us to take action. Towards a conscious decision to perceive things differently and create a plan to achieve the desired goal. This has inspired this year's stress awareness month theme, an invitation to go beyond talk and campaign for taking action and personal responsibility in creating a positive change. We aim to create an opportunity for all of us to consider how we are going to do something to make things better.

The Stress Management Society's role is to empower and inspire people into action. If we look up the word "power" in the dictionary, power quite literally means the ability to do or act. We aim to do this through all the resources and information we will be sharing throughout April. Our commitment is to support individuals and organisations in taking action. Feel free to download our free resources and get in touch to find out more about how you can take action and create a meaningful change.

As we progress through April, we'll be looking deeper into what actions one can take to create a change in their personal and professional life. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter!

The 30 Day Challenge

If you haven't yet join our 30 Day Challenge for April. We are encouraging you to pick one action each for your Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing to carry out every day.

It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits, which is why this is a month-long programme. The 30-day challenge will maximise your chances of turning useful knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change.

Click below to gain the access to our free resources specifically created for the month of April. You can download the 30 Day Challenge, a Daily De-Stressing Planner, a Stress Guide, 7 Steps Achievement Plan, useful infographics on stress and much more!

What else could you do for Stress Awareness Month?

Talk about Stress and it's effects - lets work together to reduce the stigma that is associated with stress by talking about the topic openly and freely with friends, family and colleagues.

Share your coping mechanisms - if something has worked for you why not share it. It might benefit someone you care about and in the meantime, it might help you take your focus off your own challenges.

Be nice to those who are stressed and anxious - we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety in our lifetime so treat others going through it with compassion and empathy.

Look after yourself - we all need to think more about self-care. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy. Don't forget to exercise and eat well, even when you feel too stressed.

The most crucial thing you can do when you are stressed or anxious is to make sure you are continuing to look after yourself. Make time to relax when you need to and learn to say no to requests that are too much for you.

Stress Awareness Month Poster A4

Stress Awareness Month Instagram Post

Are you stressed? Do you want to check your stress levels?

To Reduce your stress in 7 days,

Be sure to keep checking back on our blogs or sign up for our newsletter for more information and tips on how to manage stress.

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Stress Awareness Month 2023 - The Stress Management Society

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The Stress Awareness Month Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we're facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa.

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13th-20th | Mental Health Awareness Week

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13th-20th | Mental Health Awareness Week

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The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is taking place 13 to 19 May. Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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As a small charity, we rely on the amazing generosity of the public to allow us to continue our work. Every donation is noticed and appreciated, and allows us to really make a difference in someone's life - by helping to provide specialised one to one counselling sessions to people who would otherwise not be able to access them, run our support groups, and provide training so people can spot the signs of eating distress and help others seek the support they need as early as possible. We use Local Giving as our donation platform, and any contribution enables us to continue providing our supportive services for people struggling with anxiety around food

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Eating Distress North East - Charitable Organisation

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As a small charity, we rely on the amazing generosity of the public to allow us to continue our work.

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When we celebrate the health and happiness benefits of walking and wheeling more. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.

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thank you for joining us to #WALKTHISMAY!

May is living streets' National Walking Month...

...when we celebrate the health and happiness benefits of walking and wheeling more.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.

We've put together 20 tips to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into your day. From inviting friends for a walk to taking a post-work stroll, how many#Try20 tips can you do during National Walking Month and beyond? If you're not sure where to start, scroll down to give the wheel a spin!

Invite someone to #Try20 with you

Our new research shows that going for a walk is the nation's favourite Bank Holiday activity, as voted for by almost half of respondents.

However, well over a quarter of us would walk more if we had someone to walk with - and over a third of respondents said having someone to walk with would help them to feel less lonely and isolated.

So, why not invite someone to #Try20 with you this May!

View all our poll results, including stats on the most active UK cities!

Our NWM 2023 research

#NationalWalkingMonth 2023 on Twitter

Thank you to YEEP! for sponsoring our London-based National Walking Month activity this year.

Look out for new YEEP! lockers, coming soon to local neighbourhoods. Send and receive parcels where you live and work, while reducing carbon emissions and delivery vehicle miles.

become a living streets member this may

Living Streets wants everyone to be able to choose ways to make short journeys that are active, healthy and stress-free. We believe our streets should be open and accessible to all.

To achieve this, we need your help to make our voice heard.

Become a Living Streets member this National Walking Month

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Join our annual celebration of walking this May.

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walk with us!

Our five-day walking challenge is the perfect activity to run as part of out annual celebration of the walk to school in May, Walk to School Week.

A huge thank you every single school, pupil and family who joined Walk to School Week this year!
Over 1,000 schools and 350,000 pupils walked to school for a whole week - making it our biggest one yet!

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DID YOU MISS OUR MAY EVENT?
YOU CAN STILL TAKE PART!
Order your resources today and join the challenge this summer term or whenever suits your school (packs are undated)!

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THIS YEAR'S THEME AND ACTIVITY

Are your pupils ready to Walk with Wildlife? This year's challenge encourages children to travel actively to school every day of the week. Meeting various animals along the way, they'll learn about the important reasons to walk and the difference it can make for individuals, communities and the planet!

Welcome to Walk with wildlife

Pupils will be encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle and scoot to school every day of the week, earning stickers as they go along, with a special reward up for grabs at the end of the week!

Get ready to walk for:

inclusion

sustainability

health

mindfulness

friendship

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Your class will work together to make as many active journeys as possible. Pupils will be tracking their progress each day on the fun and interactive classroom wallchart.

Individual activity diaries, daily stickers and end of week pupil rewards will complement this activity, reinforcing the benefits and keeping children engaged.

Classroom packs contain resources for up to 30 pupils and are available in KS1/P1-3 and KS2/P4-7 variants, featuring differing, age-appropriate curriculum-aligned activities.

Inside each pack you'll find:

Teacher guidance

One double-sided classroom wallchart / pledge poster

Daily stickers for pupils and wallchart

30 pupil activity diaries

30 end of week pupil rewards

Did you know? You can use your PE and Sport Premium funding to cover the cost of your Walk to School Week packs.

Everyone can join walk to school week

As a walking charity we want to remove barriers to active travel. We support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy walking, including travel by wheelchair or mobility scooter. Encouraging parents to park even a little way from the school reduces congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improves road safety. Pupils can walk or wheel the last few minutes into school and still earn their reward. However, we understand that walking/wheeling to school, even part of the way, might not be an option for all. In these cases, we encourage pupils to become Walk to School Week ambassadors and assist the teacher in running the challenge to earn their own reward.

Is your school already taking part in WOW?

On our shop page you will also find additional resources to make this Walk to School Week even more fun. From Walk to School banners, to limited edition badges to Strider mascot toys, make the most of your Walk to School Week! These resources are suitable for schools already taking part in WOW who want to offer an extra reward to those who walk to school every day of Walk to School Week.

visit our shop for add-on resources

"Walk To School Week is something we are very happy to get involved with and which the children have really enjoyed. It gives them the opportunity to do some exercise each and every day. As well as this, traffic is really heavy during term times so we will do anything to help alleviate the issue."
Philip Salisbury, Headteacher - Woodfield Junior School

"Walk to School Week has gone brilliantly, I've been really impressed. The best thing is seeing the children's enthusiasm for walking. They want to walk, they want to get that exercise, they want to take part, the parents want to take part too because the children encourage them which is brilliant. It's all about everyone encouraging each other. Where there's a possibility to walk, let's use our feet and let's keep the traffic off the streets so it's a much safer place."

Mrs Baker, Headteacher at St Joseph's Primary School, Bristol

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Our Walk to School Week 2023 will take place 15-19 May! Resources are available now on our shop and the new theme is Walk with Wildlife.

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The Festival of Winter Walks is an annual event that encourages people to embrace the beauty of winter by going for walks in nature. It’s a celebration of the great outdoors during the colder months and an opportunity to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy the crisp, winter air.

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Festival Of Winter Walks 2023 - Awareness Days Events Calendar 2023

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The Festival of Winter Walks is an annual event that encourages people to embrace the beauty of winter by going for walks in nature. It's a celebration of the

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20th | International Human Solidarity Day

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20th | International Human Solidarity Day

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International Human Solidarity Day is an annual observance that emphasizes the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. It serves as a reminder that by working together in solidarity, we can create a better world for all and achieve common goals, including peace, social justice, and sustainable development.

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International Human Solidarity Day 2023 - Awareness Days Events Calendar 2023

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International Human Solidarity Day is an annual observance that emphasizes the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing

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World Braille Day, celebrated since 2019, is observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.

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The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

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27th | International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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27th | International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

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If you’re stressed with exams, revision can be a form of self-care, because it can make you feel more in control of your exam stress or anxiety, and make you feel better prepared to get the grade that you are hoping for.