Children's Mental Health Week 2026

What is Children’s Mental Health Week? Children’s Mental Health Week was initiated by Place2Be in 2015 to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health and wellbeing. Each year, Children’s Mental Health has a new theme. This year, the theme is “This is My Place”, which aims to create a sense of belonging for children by encouraging inclusive environments. Why Children’s Mental Health is Important Mental health is just as important as physical health. Good mental health allows children to excel academically, build confidence, form positive relationships, and build resilience.

Unfortunately, many children suffer from poor mental health. In the UK, approximately one in six children and young people are diagnosed with a mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. In addition, many children are victims of bullying or suffer from other challenges. Additionally, 75% of children and young people who suffer from mental health problems do not receive the necessary help. Supporting children and helping them access the support they need is essential to their growth and development. Signs a Child May be Struggling It is important to recognise when a child may be struggling with poor mental health. Indicators of poor mental health may present differently for different children and can be influenced by a variety of factors. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise common signs.

Common signs in younger children include:

• Increasingly angry or aggressive behaviours
• Regularly being unable to regulate emotions.
• Self-isolation
• Becoming increasingly scared when they are separated from their caregiver
• Restlessness and struggling to concentrate Common signs in older children and young people include:

• Self-harm
• Sudden mood swings
• Change in social habits
• Problems with sleep
• Unexplained physical change
• Changes in behaviour or academic performance

How can you help children? We all have the capability to support children and create a more inclusive environment for them. Small actions, such as encouraging open conversations with children, listening to them, and acknowledging their feelings, are all small things that can contribute to a supportive environment that improves the well-being of children.

If you think a child might need professional help, it could help to speak to a trusted adult, such as a GP or a teacher. They may be able to direct you to the correct support.

Some available services in the UK include:

• The NHS – they contain advice on the services available, and the steps to getting mental health support. They also have advice for parents who have a child with an eating disorder.
• The Young Minds Parents Helpline – they offer free support to parents via phone, email, or chat, to parents and carers concerned about a young person’s mental health.
• The Childhood Bereavement Network offers support in helping a child work through grief.
• Action for Children – they offer services to help children and families look after their mental health. Some of the ways include encouraging young people to speak about their mental well-being, providing toolkits to help young people write down their problems, and providing advice to parents. You can also contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to a child protection specialist if you have concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. Final Thoughts Children’s Mental Health Week is an important time to recognise that supporting mental health starts with us. Even small things, such as providing a listening ear, are invaluable in supporting children through the most crucial stages of life. Every conversation counts when helping our future generation grow to become resilient and confident.