Children’s mental health matters. Children’s Mental Health Week raises awareness and helps start important conversations about emotional wellbeing across the UK.
Place2Be’s Children’s mental health week Has been running every Feburary for years now, and this time it runs from 9th February to the 15th February 2026. This year they’ve teamed up with BAFTA Kids and Oak National Academy to create a free assembly on the theme of ‘This is my place’.
A different theme is chosen each year to help children explore their feelings, thoughts, and ideas in ways that feel natural to them. Activities often encourage creativity and self-expression, which can include things like art, writing, music, drama, movement, film, or photography. These activities are designed to help children build confidence, feel understood, and develop healthy ways to express how they feel.
Arange of digital resources and videos are made available so schools, parents, and carers can take part in a way that works for them. These resources make it easy for children to get involved and continue conversations about mental health beyond the week itself.
Why Children’s Mental Health Week Matters
Children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Many children experience worries, anxiety, low mood, or emotional overwhelm at some point, even if they cannot always explain it clearly.
Events like Children’s Mental Health Week help to:
- Normalise conversations about feelings
- Reduce stigma around mental health
- Give children tools to understand themselves better
- Encourage schools, parents, and carers to listen
Creating safe spaces for children to express themselves can have long-lasting positive effects well beyond the week itself.
How Parents and Carers Can Get Involved
You do not need to be a teacher or mental health expert to support Children’s Mental Health Week at home. Simple activities can make a big difference:
- Ask open questions like “How did today feel?” instead of “Did you have a good day?”
- Encourage creative outlets such as drawing, music, or journaling
- Let children lead the activity – expression should feel safe, not forced
- Listen without immediately trying to fix or solve
Even a short conversation can help children feel supported and understood.
How Schools Can Take Part
Many schools across the UK take part in Children’s Mental Health Week by:
- Showing the free Place2Be assembly
- Running classroom activities linked to the theme
- Creating displays or creative projects
- Encouraging pupil voice and discussion
Resources are designed to be accessible and easy to integrate into the school day.
Free resources and official links
Place2Be provides free resources for parents, carers, and schools, including assemblies, activity ideas, and guidance linked to each year’s theme.
You can find the official Children’s Mental Health Week website here:
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
This page is updated annually with the latest dates, themes, and downloadable resources.
What you can do
Place2Be want as many people involved in this year’s event. So, if you think children’s mental health is important, whether you’re an individual, business, school, or youth group you can get tools to help or donate here. This way you can really help spread the word.
Support if You’re Worried About Your Child
It is normal for children to experience ups and downs, but if you are worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing, support is available.
Signs your child may need extra support
Every child is different, but some signs to look out for can include:
- Ongoing sadness, worry, or irritability
- Big changes in behaviour, sleep, or appetite
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy
- Frequent physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches
- Difficulty concentrating or managing emotions
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean there is a serious problem, but patterns or changes that last several weeks are worth paying attention to.
What you can do as a parent or carer
- Talk to your child in a calm, supportive way and let them know they are not in trouble
- Listen without rushing to fix things or minimise their feelings
- Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that help is available
- Keep routines steady, as this can help children feel safe and secure
UK support and helplines
If you or your child need extra support, the following UK organisations can help:
- Childline – Free, confidential support for children and young people under 19
Available 24/7 by phone 0800 1111 and online – Find out more on the Childline website. - YoungMinds – Mental health support for children and young people, plus a dedicated parent helpline
Offers information, guidance, and emotional support. you can call their Parents Helpline for free on 0808 802 5544 - NHS 111 – Advice and support when you are not sure what to do
Can help you access local mental health services - GP or school support – Your child’s GP, school, or pastoral team can offer advice or referrals if ongoing support is needed
If you are worried that your child may be at immediate risk, seek urgent help through NHS services or emergency support.
Reaching out early can make a real difference, and asking for help is a positive step.
More information
Have a look at the Place2Be website and discover you can help raise awareness of Place2Be and Children’s mental Health week the event.
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