May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It was established in 1949 to spread awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, destigmatize mental illness and advocate for more resources and support. 

May 2025 - Mental Health Across the Lifespan

This year, the Newton Health & Human Services Department in partnership with Older Adult Services, the Newton Free Library, the Newton Youth Commission & Advisory Board and the Newton Public Schools, are offering a series of *free events to address mental health across the lifespan. 

Having Difficult Conversations with Samaritans

Thursday, May 29 at 6:30pm | Oak Hill Middle School 

Newton Parents, Guardians, and Students: You’re invited to an in-person seminar during Mental Health Awareness Month focused on strengthening family communication around mental health and emotional well-being. Hosted by the NPS Office of Family and Community Partnerships in collaboration with the City of Newton Department of Health and Human Services and Samaritans, Inc., a local suicide prevention organization, this event is designed for families with middle and high school students—but strategies will be relevant for elementary-aged students as well. 

This program will offer practical tools to foster empathy, build resilience, and make challenging conversations more approachable. Together, parents and students will learn ways to talk openly about mental health, manage academic stress, and develop empathetic listening techniques. Presenters will share conversations guides, offer tips to navigate difficult topics, and discuss how to get help in a mental health emergency. Families are encouraged to attend together and leave with strategies to engage in more meaningful conversations with one another. 

*This program is free. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Learn more about Samaritans here.

Check out our Mental Health Awareness Month Display at the Newton Free Library.