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World Mental Health Day : 10 October 2026

 Gloucestershire EPS  

  World Mental Health Day 2026

To mark World Mental Health Day 2026, we have produced a poster to support schools in creating safe, connected and inclusive environments that promote mental health and wellbeing for all children and young people. The resource highlights trauma-responsive approaches that can be embedded within everyday interactions and whole-school practice.

The poster focuses on key principles that support wellbeing, including,

 ✔️  predictability

 ✔️  pupil voice and participation

 ✔️  reducing barriers to learning

 ✔️  connection before correction, and

 ✔️  emotion coaching

We also introduce the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) and Carter's Applied Trauma Responsive Classroom Model, providing practical strategies to help staff respond supportively when pupils experience stress or distress.

By promoting safety, connection and belonging, the resource encourages schools to reflect on how everyday interactions can support positive mental health outcomes and help pupils feel understood, valued and supported within their learning environment.

See below for more Tips and recommended, themed books.

  1. Getting into a good sleep routine – good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and promotes better overall health.
  2. Making time for physical activity – being active stimulates positive chemicals in your brain that makes you feel good.
  3. Spending time with other people – this can increase our sense of belonging, improve our confidence and reduce stressors.
  4. Doing something that aids relaxation – go outside and get into nature, go to the beach, spend five minutes doing some active breathing exercises or have a cup of tea (and take time to really enjoy it).
  1. Getting into a good sleep routine – good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and promotes better overall health.
  2. Making time for physical activity – being active stimulates positive chemicals in your brain that makes you feel good.
  3. Spending time with other people – this can increase our sense of belonging, improve our confidence and reduce stressors.
  4. Doing something that aids relaxation – go outside and get into nature, go to the beach, spend five minutes doing some active breathing exercises or have a cup of tea (and take time to really enjoy it).
  1. When you are speaking to someone about their mental health it is important to be direct and compassionate.
  2. When talking to someone make sure you have the time to actively listen.
  3. Find space where you know you can talk without being disrupted.
  4. Remember, you do not need to solve the situation – simply having a chat can do a lot.
  1. When you are speaking to someone about their mental health it is important to be direct and compassionate.
  2. When talking to someone make sure you have the time to actively listen.
  3. Find space where you know you can talk without being disrupted.
  4. Remember, you do not need to solve the situation – simply having a chat can do a lot.

‘The ability to be present in the moment is a major component of mental wellness’

Abraham Maslow

Books for World Mental Health Day

This funny and reassuring book, written by Virginia Ironside, is for those children who have occasional worries of their own.

This heartwarming book is by Carol McCloud and encourages positive behaviour by using the concept of an invisible bucket. 

In this book Michael Rosen writes about his sadness, how it affects him and some of the things he does to cope with it.