Events

May is Mental Health Matters Month and a great time to take action for mental health. Check in with a friend and learn about mental health resources available in your community.

This Activity Guide provides ideas for youth-led mental health events and activities.  And whether you are a youth, educator or a parent, take some time for journaling, coloring and deep breathing activities from the Mental Health Thrival Kit.

You’re invited! Join Youth Creating Change on May 21st for the 12th Annual Directing Change Screening & Awards Ceremony. The red carpet event will celebrate youth from across California who created films about mental health and suicide prevention. Reserve your free ticket here.

View Films and Vote! We are once again hosting a People’s Choice Award. Watch all the statewide finalists in Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Matters and vote for your favorite! Then share your favorite films on social media. Vote here.

Download our social media sharables to encourage young people to check in with themselves or a friend and learn about mental health resources. Download our social media guide with graphics, videos and captions here. Download Social Media Guide (Word / PDF).

Create a Never a Bother Space! Feeling supported by friends, family, and connected to a school community can be a protective factor for suicide. Identify yourself as an approachable and trusted adult and let them know that you are comfortable to talk about anything they need, including suicide and mental health. One way you can do this is by decorating your door, or another space, with welcoming statements that reassure young people they are never a bother and your door is always open. See the Never a Bother Activity tip sheet to get started or visit neverabother.org for more resources.

Take a few minutes to enjoy the Youth Voices for Mental Health virtual exhibit, a collection of art, short films, and narratives received by young people across California as part of the Hope & Justice Contest in partnership with the CalHOPE Schools Initiative.

Submit to the Hope and Justice art and film contest: “Snap, Filter & Swipe.” Paint, write or sing about the impact of social media on our mental health. Incorporate the lime green ribbon as a symbol for mental health awareness and take part in one of our special TikTok or Photo/Digital Art Challenges for a chance to win up to $300 in prizes! Deadline May 31, 2024! For more information view the flyer and visit the monthly prompt contest page.

Share short films about mental health created by youth across California on social media, during events or presentations, on your website, or as part of awareness campaigns.

Looking for mental health support? Soluna is an app for teens that offers safe space to explore and manage your well-being through resources, forums, and more. It’s free, easy to use, and confidential. Learn more at CalHope.org

Take Action for Mental Health and learn how you can check-in with yourself and others and get support for mental health. Visit TakeAction4MH.com to learn more.

And last but not least – stay connected! Sign up for our newsletter for events, updates and volunteer opportunities.

Mental Health Spirit Day 2024

May 9th, 2024 is Children’s Mental Health Day – a great time to engage youth in activities around mental health. Whether you are participating as a classroom, school, or organization, show your mental health spirit by choosing one of the activities below or coming up with your own. Submit proof of participation by midnight on May 13th and you could win a pizza party! Activities completed on or before May 9th eligible for submission.

Choose a Spirit Day Activity:

  • Organize a group of students to discuss what mental health means to them and then form a human green ribbon as a pledge to take care of their own mental health.
  • Show your spirit with a cheer, song, dance, collage or other group activity and express: Why Mental Health Matters.
  • Remember the movie Inside Out? Dress up as an emotion or draw a picture that reflects how you feel!
  • Host a film screening!
  • DIY: Come up with your own Mental Health Spirit Day activity! Find additional ideas on our Activity Tip Sheet.
  • Go Lime Green! The lime green ribbon is the symbol of mental health. Dress-up, make-up, nails or hair – show your lime green spirit and take a group picture.

Share the flyer with schools and programs that work with youth!

Submit Proof of Participation here.