The annual Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week will this year be commemorated across the 5th-11th February 2024.
For Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, Place2Be hopes to equip, empower and give a voice to ever child so that all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, can say and believe, “My Voice Matters”.
Empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Children and young people who feel that their voices are heard, and that what they say makes a difference, have higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem. They also have a greater sense of community, and as people become empowered, they can work together to create positive changes for themselves and for others.
New YouGov date released for Children’s Mental Health Week details that many 8-16-year-olds would hesitate in seeking mental health support, therefore early intervention is fundamental. Place2Be have provided some ways to start a conversation with your child about mental health:
- Tell me about your day.
- What was the best thing about today?
- What is the biggest stress/worry in your life right now?
- What’s your online life like?
- Who would you talk to if you were feeling worried about your mental health?
- What can I do to help you?
Further resources and activities for families and schools including advice from young people themselves on what they need can be found at: childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk
In the latest episode of FC Cymru, the FAW caught up with mental health charity bigmoose to discuss advice for children and young people to protect their mental health, offer support and advice for parents and carers to help children with their mental health, in addition to signs to look out for that may signal a child is struggling with their mental health.
