Children's Mental Health Week
My Voice Matters
This year Children’s Mental Health Week will take place from 5th - 11th February. This year’s theme ‘My Voice Matters’ is all about empowering children and young people by making sure they are equipped with the tools they need to express themselves.
Every child deserves a nurturing environment that supports not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. As we celebrate Children's Mental Health Week, it's an opportune time to reflect on the importance of providing the tools and resources necessary for children to build resilience and thrive in today's world.
This dedicated week, observed annually, serves as a reminder of the critical role mental health plays in a child's overall development. It's a time to raise awareness, de-stigmatise conversations around mental health, and empower children to understand and manage their emotions effectively.
Why is Being Heard So Important?
When our voices are heard, we feel empowered and feeling this way can have a positive impact on our mental well-being and can raise our self-esteem.
Being heard is not just about the act of speaking; it's the validation of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Feeling heard holds immense importance in fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth. When individuals feel heard, understood, and acknowledged, it validates their emotions, instils a sense of empowerment, and nurtures their mental well-being. This acknowledgement cultivates trust, encourages open communication, and paves the way for meaningful connections.
For children, being heard is especially crucial as it shapes their confidence, self-expression, and understanding of their own emotions. It lays the groundwork for healthy relationships, resilience in facing challenges, and a sense of agency in navigating the world around them. Ultimately, being heard isn't just about the act of listening; it's about acknowledging the value of each individual's voice in shaping a more empathetic and inclusive society.
If children feel their voices are being heard, this can make them feel empowered!
Place2Be
Children's Mental Health Week was founded by charity Place2Be in 2015 and has taken place annually ever since. It is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of children and young people. Their commitment to providing early intervention and mental health services in schools across the UK has had a profound impact on countless lives.
Through counselling, therapy, and training for educators, Place2Be creates safe and nurturing environments where children can freely express themselves and receive the support they need to thrive. Their holistic approach not only addresses individual needs but also contributes to building more empathetic and understanding communities. Place2Be's invaluable efforts in promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible support continue to be a beacon of hope for many children facing various challenges.
Resources
Children's Mental Health Week 2024
DfE: Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges
DfE: Mental health for early years children
Education Hub: How we’re helping look after the mental health of children and young people
Do your pupils have opportunities to use their voices at school?
How Can We Make Children Feel Heard at School?
Let's celebrate Children's Mental Health Week by reaffirming our commitment to supporting the well-being of every child, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to flourish.
Here are a few things schools and academies can incorporate into their organisation to help make pupils feel heard...
Open Dialogue Channels
Establish regular opportunities for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This could be through suggestion boxes, student councils, or open forums where they can voice their opinions.
Embrace Diversity
Celebrate diversity through multicultural events, inclusive curriculum, and highlighting various cultural backgrounds. Acknowledging different perspectives helps children feel seen and accepted.
Encourage Participation
Encourage and support students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports where they can find their niche and express themselves freely.
Active Listening
Train teachers and staff in active listening techniques to ensure that when children speak up, they feel genuinely heard and understood.
Teach Conflict Resolution
Equip students with conflict resolution skills, emphasising the importance of respectful communication and understanding different perspectives.
Create Safe Spaces
Designate areas within the school where children can retreat if they need a quiet moment or someone to talk to, ensuring these spaces are stigma-free and open to all.
Counselling and Support Services
Ensure easy access to counselling services and mental health support. This demonstrates that the school takes mental well-being seriously and is there to assist when needed.
Peer Support Programs
Implement peer mentoring or buddy systems where older students provide support and guidance to younger ones, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.
Incorporate Student Feedback
Act on student feedback whenever possible. Whether it's about the curriculum, school events, or facilities, showing that their input creates change reinforces their belief in being heard.
Empowerment Programmes
Schools can offer leadership opportunities, public speaking courses, or workshops that encourage self-expression, boosting children's confidence in sharing their thoughts.