During this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, themed around community, Durham School UK and Durham School Dubai have come together in a meaningful and heartfelt collaboration to shine a light on the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Despite being separated by oceans, both schools have shared messages, activities, and encouragement to reinforce that mental health matters to everyone, everywhere. Durham School Dubai kicked off the week with a special video from Mrs. N Thompson, Director of Wellbeing in the UK, who spoke about the significance of mental health and sent her best wishes for Dubai's week of planned activities, thoughtfully organised by Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs. Tuck, alongside their dedicated student council.

In a spirit of reciprocity, Durham UK was delighted to receive a supportive video message from Mrs. Tuck and newly appointed Headmaster Mr. McLaughlin, who is no stranger to the UK community, along with regular photo updates of Dubai's vibrant activities. Highlights included an ice bucket challenge where students playfully soaked staff members, and heart-warming moments of staff enjoying a relaxed break with a cuppa. Inspired by this, Durham UK staff responded with their own snapshots from across various sites. Meanwhile, Lower Sixth students in the UK have led lunchtime sessions across Houses, promoting wellbeing through activities such as yoga, Zumba, bridge building, and dream catcher making, bringing students of all ages together in support of each other's mental health. 

To round off a powerful week, students in both locations wore green in a visible show of solidarity for Mental Health Awareness Week. This collective effort across continents not only celebrated the theme of community but also underscored a shared commitment to nurturing mental health and wellbeing. Through shared experiences, messages of encouragement, and collaborative activities, the Durham family has demonstrated that community is not bound by geography, it's about connection, care, and collective purpose.