The Power of talking: Supporting mental health in schools
Mental health matters—just as much as physical health. With mental health-related absence rising across the education sector, it’s vital for school and academy leaders to foster open conversations and prioritise wellbeing for themselves and their teams.
As the new school year brings fresh challenges and opportunities, stress can build up quickly. Recognising your own “stress signature”—the unique signs that indicate rising pressure—helps you intervene early, both for yourself and your colleagues. Awareness is the first step to action.
Encourage your team to share their stress triggers and support each other. Open, honest conversations build trust and unlock solutions, driving better performance and innovation. Reflect on last year’s stressors and consider how you and your team responded. What changes can you make this year to improve wellbeing?
Self-care is essential. It’s not just about relaxation—it’s about integrating physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing into daily routines. Leaders should actively listen, show empathy, and connect with their teams, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported.
Be proactive: talk about mental health, support early intervention, and use tools like Team Stress Risk Assessments and Wellbeing Action Plans. Capita’s Health and Safety SLA offers free webinars and a wealth of wellbeing resources to help schools promote self-care and support staff. For more information email information@entrust-ed.co.uk
Top Tips:
Share your stress signature with your team.
Choose one action to support your mental health.
Foster healthy conversations about wellbeing.
Let’s make 2025/26 a year of positive change—by talking, listening, and supporting each other.
