Cumberland County Schools -

In its third year, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) hosted the Jump Into Wellness: It’s OK 2 Ask for Help! Children’s Mental Health & Wellness Fair this morning. The event drew hundreds to Festival Park in Downtown Fayetteville for a vibrant start to the day dedicated to wellness, community connection and mental health awareness.

Organized by CCS Student Services department, the event offered three hours of high-energy, family-friendly programming. Highlights included a one-mile walk for suicide prevention, 40 interactive community resource booths, yoga on the lawn, dynamic cheerleading performances by local high school teams, a bike rodeo and fitness demonstrations. Attendees also enjoyed music from a live DJ, food trucks offering delicious treats and chances to win tech-themed prizes.

With the first week in May nationally recognized as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, the fair was planned to emphasize the importance of mental health support for children and families while promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

"This event is a fun and family-oriented way to work against the stigma around mental health by raising awareness and increasing access to services in our community that promote resilience and success for young people and their families," said Dr. Natasha Scott, the executive director of CCS Student Services. "As I often share, mental health is a continuum that ranges from healthy to illness and everything in between. We have to take care of our mental health the same way we take care of our physical health."

One fairgoer shared his thoughts about the event and its purpose. “I really liked how there were so many fun things to do, but also how it made talking about mental health feel normal,” said Bryson Hope, a second grader in the district. “It showed us that it’s okay to ask for help and that there are people who care.”

Inspired by the overwhelming success of this year’s event, organizers are already planning new ways to expand and enhance next year’s Children’s Mental Health & Wellness Fair to further its reach and impact.

For more information, visit the Cumberland County Schools website. “It's OK 2 Ask for Help" is just a click away.