Children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, launches free school resources for Children’s Mental Health Week 2024  The theme of Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 is ‘My Voice Matters’

Ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, leading children’s mental health charity, Place2Be has published free resources for schools, families and youth groups. 

As the organisation behind Children’s Mental Health Week, and the leading third-sector provider of school-based mental health, Place2Be is encouraging children, young people, and adults to use their voices and share what matters to them – and encourage those around them to hear their voices. 

Evidence shows that empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard – and that what they say makes a difference.  

Developed in consultation with children and young people in Place2Be partner schools, the free resources were created in collaboration with Place2Be’s mental health experts and educational psychologists for use in primary and secondary/high schools, sixth forms and colleges. They  include assembly guides, slides, group activities, top tips, fundraising ideas and more.  

On this year’s theme, one Secondary student from a Place2Be partner school, says: “We just want adults to listen and want to feel heard. We don’t always need adults to give us solutions or tell us what to do.” 

A primary school pupil added: “I think there should be more opportunities to talk about our feelings, like lessons or special assemblies.” 

The resources are available to view and download in English and Welsh, at https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/schools/#resources

Parents and carers can also download free resource packs which include top tips and activities – so that everyone can take part and raise awareness of the importance of supporting positive mental wellbeing.  

Following the success of Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, Place2Be will also be launching its Express Yourself fundraising campaign for schools, organisations, and individuals. Last year, with public support, Place2Be raised over £140,000. Fundraising packs are available at https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/take-part/express-yourself-fundraising-resources/

Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015. Now in its tenth year, the charity hopes to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word so that no child or young person faces a mental health problem alone.