This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week took place betwee Monday 13 to Sunday 19 May. The focus for this year was ‘movement’. The breadth of this theme allowed for a variety of related events to be put on throughout the week.
On Monday 13 May, a Mental Heath Forum was held in the Marten Library, with the aim of encouraging open and honest discussions with both boys and beaks. The intimate venue facilitated the conversation perfectly. Individuals delivered short talks on a chosen topic related to the theme of ‘movement’. This enriching event allowed attendees to learn more about mental health in relation to academy football, martial arts, cricket and even night walks. The opportunity to gain insight into individuals’ personal experiences was a true privilege. The importance of discussing such vital mental health related topics can’t be understated, and as eloquently put by a boy at the end of the talk, this forum only marked the start of an ongoing conversation.
In order to re-iterate the importance of the week to a widespread audience, there seemed no better medium than through assemblies. On Tuesday 14 May E Block gathered outside on the Jafar Hall lawn to deliver a rousing rendition of Glory Glory Hallelujah. The action of moving outside mid-assembly promoted the notion of ‘movement’ and emphasised the benefits spending time in the fresh air can have.
Following this assembly, Stirling ma (JMG) and I transmitted the same message to C Block during their assembly on the following day. Our brief seven-minute talk was followed up by a passionate performance of Sweet Caroline by all boys and members of the Eton community in attendance. The incorporation of upbeat song into the assemblies aimed to help boys feel collectively more positive as they approached the day ahead.
In an attempt to spread awareness beyond the immediate boy circle at Eton, a Zoom webinar was conducted on Friday evening for all parents who wished to attend. The meeting, expertly chaired by BBC and led by three panellists, covered the important topic of ‘Exam Stress’ and provided all attendees with expert advice and insights into a very relevant area of mental health.
To round off the event-filled week, we had the privilege of welcoming in Charlie Mortimer and James Harrop from the Old Etonian Mental Health Society. Charlie spoke openly about his own experiences with mental illness and how they affected him as a young boy at Eton College. James educated the audience about his own experiences with bipolar disorder and the sequence of events which led to this diagnosis. The opportunity to interact and learn about their personal experiences was one which we are truly grateful for and we thank them for giving up their time to come in and speak.
The Mental Health Society thanks all those who participated and attended the events which were put on. Despite this week providing suitable opportunity and focus to promote mental health awareness, we look to encourage discussion throughout the year and the Mental Health Society will continue to do so with our diverse range of talks, featuring notable guests such as the distinguished writer and chef Mary Berry.
