R U OK? Day 2025

Each year on the second Thursday of September, communities around the world pause to ask asimple but powerful question:

“R U OK?”

This message lies at the heart of R U OK? Day, an initiative dedicated to mental health. As one student, Ellie, shared: “To me, R U OK? Day is a day where we get together and spread awareness on mental health.” Since our school first began commemorating the day in 2020, it has grown into an important tradition on our campus—one that reminds us to check in with each other, listen sincerely, and build a supportive community.

Violetta noted that R U OK? Day is a valuable opportunity for students to “communicate more and care more about our classmates and our friends.” This year, our R U OK? Day 2025 activities encouraged students and staff alike to pause, reflect, and connect in meaningful ways. The dance room was transformed into a space for calming meditation sessions, giving everyone a chance to slow down and find balance. In the classroom, students explored creativity and self-expression through handicraft activities, while the Gym became a lively hub with badminton games, reinforcing the link between physical activity and mental well-being.

In the school lobby, our “Mental Health Champions” student group welcomed the community with warmth and positivity. They offered face painting and friendly support, reminding everyone that caring for mental health can also be uplifting, colorful, and fun.

The purpose of our R U OK? Day events have always been to create an environment where students, teachers, and staff can openly discuss mental health without stigma. Sycamore reminded us that sometimes the most important thing is simply to listen: “If a student wasn’t feeling okay, my first response would be to listen… once they’ve spoken out, they will definitely feel much better.” By engaging in activities together, we not only raised awareness but also strengthened our school’s sense of connection, care, and empathy.

These initiatives align closely with our wider wellbeing agenda at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou. We firmly believe that academic preparedness and student wellbeing are two sides of the same coin. By instilling in our students, the habits, skills, and values that enable them to take ownership of both their learning and wellbeing, we help them to discover meaning and purpose earlier in life—skills that will serve them not only here at Dulwich but well beyond, in life as global citizens, through events like R U OK? Day we provide students with opportunities to practice these qualities in a safe, supportive environment.

As part of this broader commitment, our school is guided by the EiM Student Wellbeing Framework, which gives us the tools to prioritise wellbeing across both the taught curriculum and co-curricular programmes. This framework ensures that while every school and every student is unique, our wellbeing remains at the centre of our mission. It provides a foundation for the positive schools’ agenda we pursue, equipping our students with the confidence, perspective, and empathy they need to thrive.

The impact of R U OK? Day therefore extends far beyond a single event. Mr Tim Rees, Head of PE, emphasized the importance of creating an environment “where students feel trusted and respected,” so they know they can seek support when needed.

Ms Jessica Fannon, Head of Drama and member of our Student Wellbeing committee, added that while R U OK? Day is just one date on the calendar, “it reminds us that every day we need to check in with those that we love.” By embracing the spirit of R U OK? Throughout the year, we check in with friends, listen without judgment, and offer support when needed, collectively building a school community where everyone feels valued, understood, and never alone.