Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to
highlight the importance of children and young people’s mental health. This
is now its 7th year and children and young people are being encouraged to
speak out about their mental health.
From 1-7 February 2021 schools, youth groups, organisations and individuals
across the UK will take part in Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s
theme is ‘Express Yourself’.
Expressing yourself is about finding ways to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas in whatever way appeals to the young person.
It is important to remember that being able to express yourself is about finding ways to show who the young people are in their own right, how they view what is around them and what best helps to make them feel both positive and good about themselves.
Research tells us that as many as three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem. This is an issue which is growing and remember, these are only the reported number of diagnosed cases as not every child has a diagnosis and many struggle in silence for fear of being seen “differently” to their peers. At a young age, difference matters and so many struggle to conform to what they think is the norm, or the way
they should be. If there is a problem within the home, or the young person is subjected to bullying, it is likely they will keep quiet and not reach out for support.
Of concern is that around 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. And this could be to do with being afraid to speak out, to express or understand their feelings and also not to appear “different” to those around them.
Children’s mental health like adults should be given the same importance as their physical health.
In schools, children and young people are taught about a healthy lifestyle that includes; good nutrition, exercise, social contact etc. all vital to our physical wellbeing. It is equally as important for them to be taught also about “difference”, about speaking out, expressing their feelings and of course being kind – not just to others, but to themselves. Thankfully, this is now being recognised more widely within schools. There is however, stigma around mental health which is why weeks like this encourage youngsters to speak out, to be
heard and to talk about their feelings.
Things that can help children and young people’s mental wellbeing include:
Being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
Having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors
Being part of a family that gets along well most of the time
Going to a school that looks after the wellbeing of all its pupils
Taking part in local activities for young people.
Other factors are also important, including:
Feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe
Being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves
Being hopeful and optimistic
Being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed
Accepting who they are and recognising what they are good at
Having a sense of belonging in their family, school and community
Feeling they have some control over their own life
There is help available to our children and young people and this includes:
Help and support from professionals
Schools
Parents
GP advice
Being able to talk through their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential setting
Child focused organisations
Clubs and groups
Given the increase in mental health issues in children, we as adults need to be able to help them express themselves without fear of judgement or criticism. Join in the awareness week and help to give children and young people a voice.
How can Care first help?
If you feel you may need some emotional or practical support, you can contact Care first on the Freephone number. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. Whilst our BACP accredited Counsellors are available 24/7 to provide support with emotional issues, our expertly trained Information Specialists are available 8am-8pm Monday-Friday to provide advice on any practical issues that may be causing you a stress or worry and help you feel more in control of a situation.
All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
Organisations and supportive information that can help:
https://www.childline.org.uk/
https://www.place2be.org.uk/
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/about-the-week
https://youngminds.org.uk/
https://www.headstogether.org.uk/partners/charity-partners/
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/well-being
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘Children’s Mental Health Awareness’ this is being delivered live on Wednesday 3rd February at 12pm, please use the below link to register for this session – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7322383915115149069
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.