Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

In the month of May it was Mental Health Awareness Week, and I was genuinely inspired by the companies that took time to pause, reflect, and support their teams with events and initiatives. Many businesses embraced the week as a chance to foster a culture of care and connection. Some of the thoughtful initiatives I saw included:

• 🧘 Wellness sessions such as guided meditation and lunch-time walks to encourage mindfulness and stress relief during the workday.

• 🎤 Mental health talks and webinars hosted by guest speakers, therapists, or lived-experience advocates — sparking open conversations about anxiety, burnout, and resilience.

• ☕ "Tea and talk" sessions or informal drop-ins to give employees a safe space to check in, share, or simply connect without work agendas.

• 💚 Awareness campaigns using internal newsletters or social media channels to share tips, resources, and real stories that helped normalise mental health conversations.

• ⏸️ Encouragement to unplug, including screen-free lunch hours, "no-meeting" afternoons, or even extra wellness days off to recharge.

These kinds of efforts — big or small — send a powerful message: that people matter beyond their productivity, and mental health deserves our attention all year round. It made me think about what more we can do at AMP—not just to build a successful IT business, but to create a workplace that people genuinely love being part of, now and in the future. 

At the same time, like many parents, I had been living through SATs week with my Year 6 son. Sunday night before these tests saw him pacing the landing, struggling to settle his nerves. It was tough to watch. But throughout the week, he showed resilience and determination. He gave it his all - and honestly, what more can you ask for?

It brought back memories of myself as a young boy. While some of my classmates buried themselves in books, I was obsessed with the real world - how things worked, why they worked, and how I could rebuild or rewire them. It was the 1980s as a teen that I found my spark in technology.

Now, watching my son Max, I see that same spark. Recently, he’s become completely immersed in his IT lessons - taking apart gadgets, programming micro:bits, asking questions, solving problems. He’s even joined a local police cadet initiative through school. Before half term, he solved a staged ‘crime scene’ as part of the programme - and he loved every second. That’s the kind of real-world learning that lights kids up.

It reminded me how important it is to nurture curiosity. As someone who has built a career out of a childhood obsession with tech, I believe deeply in encouraging the next generation of problem solvers. Technology opens doors. It builds careers. It changes the world.

But here’s the thing: alongside fostering a love of tech, we also need to promote balance. Max and I have also been getting outside together a lot lately - several full laps of the Guild Wheel, 20 miles a time. No screens. Just fresh air, conversations and movement. That’s been just as valuable as any lesson in school.

At AMP InfoSys, we’re passionate about technology. It’s the backbone of what we do. But I’ve also come to believe that a healthy mind and a curious mind go hand in hand. Whether it’s through the workplace, parenting, or leadership, I’m learning that mental well-being and innovation aren’t separate goals - they're interconnected.

So here’s my thoughts, after reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Week:

• Encourage kids (and colleagues) to explore technology, ask questions, and find solutions.
• Support mental health - not just when it’s trending, but as a foundational part of your culture.
• And sometimes, hide the devices away. Go for a bike ride. Have the conversation. Create space to think.

Because the best innovations don’t just come from machines - they come from people who are energised, balanced, and inspired.