Children’s Mental Health Week

1 in 6 children have a diagnosable mental health problem and half of all people with lifetime mental health problems will first experience symptoms before they reach 14 years of age.

This last year has been particularly challenging for children who have been deeply affected by the lockdown – missing school, missing friends and have missing people who are best placed to protect them and keep them safe.

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 1-7 February and the theme this year is ‘express yourself’. This is not about children showing they’re the best at something or putting on a performance for others. It is about finding ways to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas, through creativity. This could be through art, music, writing and poetry, dance and drama, photography and film, and doing activities that make children feel good.

The importance of Children’s Mental Health Week cannot be underestimated, especially as children are not able to have the same social interactions as normal. It is vital that schools, parents and carers encourage children to explore their creative potential and express themselves.

Find out more about the week by visiting the Place2Be website.

The following charities can provide support if needed:

• Childline
• Mind
• Papyrus – Prevention of young Suicide
• Young Minds
• Kooth