BSA Conference Mental health – Supporting everyone

• Date: May 21, 2025
• Time: 09:30 – 16:00
• Cost: BSA Full Member – £235, BSA Additional Full Member – £110, BSA Affiliate Member – £335, BSA Additional Affiliate Member fee – £145, Non-member – £470
• Audience: Heads, Deputy Heads, Heads of Boarding, Mental health Leads, Inclusion Leads, Nurses, Health Centre Leads, Boarding and pastoral staff, all staff.
• Platform: Zoom (online) – Conference

Course outline:  

This virtual conference will address the key themes around mental health in 2025 and consider the wellbeing of the entire organisation, including students, pastoral staff, teaching staff and management. Mental health remains one of the top BSA member concerns, especially following the impact of the pandemic. According to Children’s Society and YoungMinds research, almost 40% of 6 to 16-year-olds have experienced deterioration in mental health since 2017. We know that members are concerned about waiting times for accessing support and varying thresholds of criteria. This conference will consider practical ways that our whole community can feel supported in managing their mental health before it becomes an “issue”.  

Training topics will include:  

• Creating a supportive environment for mental health: focusing on creating a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes positive mental health for students and staff alike. Delegates will learn practical strategies for fostering a culture of wellbeing, including effective communication, implementing anti-bullying measures, and promoting social-emotional learning.
• Building resilience and emotional regulation skills: delegates will gain practical insights into evidence-based strategies for developing coping mechanisms, stress management techniques and self-care practices to enhance mental wellbeing. These skills can be utilised by students and staff alike.
• Supporting staff: this session will focus on addressing the mental health needs of staff in the demanding school environment. Practical strategies for self-care, stress reduction and creating a work-life balance will be considered. The session will also explore the role of leaders in supporting the wellbeing of their staff.
• Mental health leadership: this session will emphasise the importance of leadership in promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health across your organisation and community. Delegates will hear about effective leadership strategies, policies and programmes that foster a whole-school approach to mental health.

 Learning outcomes: 

•  Recognising the signs of common mental health issues in children and young people 
• Early identification and intervention strategies in schools 
• Promoting a culture of wellbeing and inclusivity 
• Implementing self-care practices, stress management and coping mechanisms 
• Creating a supportive work environment 
• Integrating mental health initiatives in policy and strategic planning. 

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Programme:  

09:15 – 10:15  

Supporting Staff Wellbeing

In this practical session, we explore the realities of stress in the teaching profession and help staff identify the early warning signs of burnout. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own wellbeing, personal coping styles and strategies. 

Focussing on sustainable self-care and evidence-based approaches, we’ll share tools and ideas that educators can use to protect their mental health, strengthen resilience, and foster a more supportive, balanced working life.  

10:30 – 11:15 

Supporting pupils: a panel of ideas: 

11:15 – 12:00 

What’s working in schools? Discussions from our award winners 

12:00 – 12:45 

 Supporting Staff  

This session will focus on addressing the mental health needs of staff in the demanding school environment. Practical strategies for self-care, stress reduction and creating a work-life balance will be considered. The session will also explore the role of leaders in supporting the wellbeing of their staff. 

 12:45 – 13:45 

 Lunch 

 13:45 – 14:45 

 Supporting yourself 

 14:45 – 15:00 

 Break 

 15:00 – 15:45 

Session 6 

 16:00  

 Conference close