Everything You Need To Know About Children's Mental Health Day

What is the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week? 

This year, the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week is “Express Yourself”. The aim is to encourage children (and adults) to explore different ways we can all express ourselves. Creatively thinking of new ways, we can share our feelings with each other. 

Some of the way they recommended were acting, dance, drawing and poetry! 

Why is this week so important? 

Last week the Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index revealed that one in four young people admitted to feeling “unable to cope with life” since the start of the pandemic and it’s been reported that around three children in every class suffers with a mental health problem. 

With the drastic changes that have happened to schools, and our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to understand that children’s mental health is at the greatest risk ever and this week is the perfect opportunity to learn more about children's mental health so that we can support them. 

What’s happened so far? 

One of the biggest pieces of news this week is that Dr Alex George (formerly of Love Island) has been appointed as the Ambassador for Mental Health. This is a huge step in the right direction and will help drive the conversation around mental health. As someone who has been directly affected by mental health through his younger brothers' suicide, Dr Alex unfortunately knows first-hand how much of an impact mental health can have on young people, and it is hoped his appointment will push to make mental health more of a priority for organisations and the wider public. 

How can you get involved in Children’s Mental Health Week? 

The Children’s Mental Health Week Website, had some great ways that you can get involved, one of which is their “Dress To Express” initiative, which encourages all of us to use colour to express ourselves by wearing colourful outfits throughout the week. 

They also have some free resources including fundraising packs, activities and social media imagery to share the week. 

If you want to learn more about how you can support young people’s mental health, we have a variety of free online courses that have proved popular among teachers, parents and carers. We recommend our ‘Children and Young People’s Mental Health’ course, if you’re looking to gain an understanding of how you can better support a young person who is struggling with their mental health.