R U OK? Day Workshop: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Resilience in Children and Adults

The R U OK? Day webinar hosted by Montessori Academy and Montessori Care in collaboration with MIND Architecture was a powerful initiative centred on promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing, both in the workplace and among children. Delivered by a mental health professional, the event explored key aspects of mental health, including recognising early signs of distress and fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

Mental Health in the Workplace

One of the core themes of the webinar was addressing mental health in professional settings. The mental health professional highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment where open dialogue about mental wellbeing is encouraged. Recognising the early signs of mental health issues—such as changes in behaviour, mood swings, or withdrawal—was discussed as a crucial first step in offering timely support. Participants were encouraged to cultivate empathetic listening and offer gentle, non-invasive approaches to check in with colleagues.

Building Emotional Intelligence in Children

The second half of the webinar focused on children’s emotional development, with a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and resilience. The guest speaker discussed how critical it is for parents and educators to model emotional awareness and healthy coping mechanisms. Strategies were shared on how to help children navigate their feelings, recognise emotions in others, and develop the ability to bounce back from challenges—an essential skill for thriving in both educational and social environments.

Conclusion

The R U OK? Day webinar was a thoughtful and informative session, providing practical tools for both adults and children to improve mental wellbeing and emotional intelligence. It emphasised the importance of ongoing conversations about mental health and creating environments where emotional awareness is nurtured.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker are their own and do not necessarily reflect the values or position of Montessori Academy or Montessori Care. While the well-being tips and advice provided are general in nature and intended to promote mental health awareness, they may not take into account the unique circumstances of individual families. We encourage participants to seek personalised guidance from qualified professionals for specific concerns.