Mental Health Month – October 2025

Mental Health Month runs throughout October.  

Way-ahead leads it, and this year, we are encouraged to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have a lived experience of mental illness or not. It also provides an opportunity for us to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help-seeking behaviours when needed.

2025 Theme: Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey

This year’s theme, Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey, highlights the continuous journey of mental wellbeing – reminding us that every small step matters, even side-steps or setbacks. Whether you are reaching out to someone or pausing to reflect, each action contributes to growth, connection, and resilience.

How Schools Can Get Involved

The Workplace Safety and Wellbeing (WSaW) team encourages schools to reflect on this theme and plan their own activities, discussions, and wellbeing initiatives throughout October.

Here are a few suggestions on ways to participate:

• Host a Wellbeing Event – Organise an activity such as a step challenge, mindfulness session, or morning tea that encourages staff to take a positive step for their mental health.
• Embed the theme into meetings/newsletters – Ask staff, “What small step can you take today?”
• Promote the theme – Display Way-ahead’s resources around your school to spark discussion and encourage participation.

Resources Coming Your Way

The WSaW team has arranged for Wayahead’s Mental Health Month resources to be delivered to each school during the last week of Term 3, ready for your return at the start of Term 4. This includes everything you need to promote your own activities – posters, brochures, and flyers. Digital versions are also available via Wayahead’s website if you would like extra copies.

During October

Over 3 weeks in October, the WSaW team will explore the steps of Awareness, Acknowledgement, and Action in the all staff Gateway News to build on the key message of ‘Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey’

We also encourage you to share your school’s initiatives – We would love to see how your school is taking part in Mental Health Month! Please send us your photos, highlights, or stories so we can showcase the amazing work happening across our schools.

Sharing your experiences not only celebrates your school’s efforts but also inspires others to get involved.

For more information on Mental Health Month 2025, visit Wayahead's website here. 

If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing team on whs@dow.catholic.edu.au.

For CEDoW’s full range of workplace, safety, and wellbeing resources, please visit the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Hub on Gateway.