‘Hey, it’s okay’ campaign for young people’s mental health

Published May 16, 2024

The ‘Hey, it’s okay’ campaign starts on 20 May. Its aim is to make talking about emerging mental health issues more normal for young people aged 16 to 25. The campaign is organised by the government and will continue during the Dutch Week of Mental Health, from 3 June through 8 June.

‘Hey, it’s okay’ campaign for young people’s mental health

Young people often find it difficult to talk about emerging mental health issues, such as performance pressure and loneliness. With the ‘Hey, it’s okay’ campaign, the government aims to change this. To that end, young people are given practical tools and examples. Identifying and discussing mental health issues at an early stage can prevent more serious problems.

Identifying mental health issues

The people around young people can help identify mental health issues. For example, education professionals can learn more about how to identify mental health issues among pupils or students and what they can do next.

Website

The ‘Hey, it’s okay’ website includes a podcast with stories from others, personal experiences and experts discussing mental health issues. The site also contains conversation tips and tips for dealing with mental health issues. Examples of the latter include:

Do absolutely nothing for a while
Pause to reflect on what is going well
Allow yourself to feel your emotions
Set aside a time to worry
Get moving and seek some fresh air

Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

After every holiday, a group goes through certain phases in the process of group formation. The first weeks at the beginning of the school year are called the Golden Weeks. These weeks are particularly suitable for laying a foundation for good group formation and a pleasant atmosphere. Stichting School & Veiligheid offers ten tips.

Our Food Week

From 3 to 10 October 2026, it is Our Food Week. A great opportunity to focus with your class at primary school on where our food comes from, how it is made and why healthy and sustainable choices are important. Food education allows pupils not only to learn, but especially to experience. That is why various organisations are joining forces to support schools with inspiring activities, teaching materials and practical tools. Examples include the Mayors’ Breakfast, a free visit to a farm, or shopping vouchers for cooking in the classroom.

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!

Would you like more water to be drunk in the new school year? Then put tap water in the spotlight with your class as a healthy and sustainable thirst quencher during National Tap Water Day on Wednesday 30 September. This way, your pupils will discover why tap water is healthy and how to turn it into a festive drink!

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