Children's Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week runs from the 6th to 12th of February and is organised by children’s mental health charity Place2Be. It is now in its ninth year with the theme this year being ‘Let’s Connect’.
Why is Children’s Mental Health Week important?
The week aims to develop understanding and awareness of children and young people’s mental health. It also highlights the importance of early intervention to address issues before they become more serious.
1 in 6 children suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition in England. The reasons behind this vary, which is why Children’s Mental Health Week aims to highlight different ways in which support can be provided to these young people.
The theme this year, ‘Let’s Connect’ has been selected as often the issue lies with children feeling isolated, shut off from society or lonely. Covid had a huge impact on the mental wellbeing of many young people for a lot of reasons, but one of the major issues was the new challenges it presented maintaining friendships and classroom connections.
A lack of meaningful relationships is a key driver in loneliness and anxiety. Therefore, it is important that young people establish friendships which can allow them to communicate openly and support one another
The aim is to embolden young people to form meaningful connections so they feel important and engaged with the world around them. It also encourages them to reach out for support or help if they need it.
What do Place2Be do?
They support both schools and parents to help children who are struggling with mental health issues by providing a range of services including child counselling sessions in both primary and secondary schools. They work directly with children and young people one-to-one or in small groups, to provide regular support for those who need it.
Each school with Place2Be on site has a dedicated professional who oversees the service there. Young people can book an appointment to talk about any worries of issues they may have, and they call this Place2Talk.
Place2Be also have a website that is full of useful information and resources to assist families and schools to deal with the mental health crisis facing children and young people today.
They help them to find ways to cope so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, confidence or ability to learn.
Who is involved?
The Princess of Wales is a Paton of this incredible charity. To mark the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, she met with primary school children in east London to discuss the importance of connecting with others. Her Royal Highness has supported Children’s Mental Health Week since Place2Be launched the week in 2015.
Stars from across film, TV and radio also get involved. This includes the likes of Sophie Dahl, Dermot O’Leary and Lemn Sissay who share top tips for kids and teens.
This often takes the form of meeting with children to discuss ways in which they can connect with others and sharing advice on how they have managed to stay grounded throughout their careers. Chats are filmed and available on their YouTube Channel for reference.
New data shows that 65% of children and young people seen by Place2Be counsellors in the last year had difficulties interacting with their classmates. However, with support from Place2Be, 76% of primary and secondary-aged children and young people who started with severe mental difficulties had improved.
A series of resources have been designed for the week, including top tips for parents and teachers on having open conversations, advice on developing friendships, activity ideas for schools, and more.
Place2Be is also partnering with Childnet for Safer Internet Day to help teachers guide their students in forming safe and fulfilling friendships online.
New data shows that 65% of children and young people seen by Place2Be counsellors in the last year had difficulties interacting with their classmates. However, with support from Place2Be, 76% of primary and secondary-aged children and young people who started with severe mental difficulties had improved.
A series of resources have been designed for the week, including top tips for parents and teachers on having open conversations, advice on developing friendships, activity ideas for schools, and more.
Place2Be is also partnering with Childnet for Safer Internet Day to help teachers guide their students in forming safe and fulfilling friendships online.
