The campaign, created by Place2Be, takes place between 7 to 13 February and aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Now in its eighth year, it wants to encourage more people than ever to get involved.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Growing Together’, which is about helping children and young people grow emotionally and find ways to help each other grow.
The campaign believes that challenges and setbacks can help young people grow, whilst adapting and trying new things can help them move beyond their comfort zone into a new realm of possibility and potential. However, it recognises that emotional growth is often a gradual process that happens over time.
Getting involved in the campaign is simple. Schools and youth groups can take part in many activities like virtual assemblies – created by Place2Be and BAFTA Kids and featuring famous faces such as Emma Willis – which are available from 8am on Monday (7 February).
Families can also find a host of activities to take part in, such as ‘My Changing Shapes’, an activity supporting young people to look back at their past growths to help them see how they have already grown emotionally and inspire them to grow more in the future.
People can also find out about the growth stories of public figures like Sky Brown who won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics last year. The collection of exclusive interviews, where celebrities share their stories of emotional growth, can be used in the classroom or at home.
Throughout the week, HeadStart Wolverhampton will also be sharing links to resources and support, as well as local examples of Growing Together on their social media pages, @HeadStartFM on Twitter and Facebook.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The mental health of children and young people is a priority for the council, so we are delighted to be supporting Children’s Mental Health Week once again this year.
“The campaign is a great way to put the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people in local and national focus.
“There are plenty of activities to do during the campaign along with a whole host of resources to help young people with their emotional growth – all while encouraging everybody to take care of their mental health and wellbeing in a creative and fun way.”
To find out more about the campaign and to find the full collection of activities and resources, please visit Children's Mental Health Week.
HeadStart Wolverhampton, part of a £56 million National Lottery funded programme set-up by the National Lottery Community Fund, is designed to improve the emotional mental health and wellbeing of children and young people aged 10 to 16 by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.
HeadStart Wolverhampton runs a series of specific programmes in its four key target areas: Low Hill, The Scotlands and Bushbury South; Heath Town, Park Village, Eastfield, Springfield and Old Heath; Bilston East; All Saints, Blakenhall, Parkfields and Ettingshall.
To find out more about HeadStart, please follow @headstartfm on Twitter or find HeadStart on Facebook.
