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Children’s Mental Health Week will be bigger than ever in 2021. With the UK in its 11the months of lockdown. COVID-19 is disrupting the world, leaving many adults worried about finances and job security.
It’s easy to get distracted by how the pandemic has affected children all over the UK. Place2be is a mental health charity. Last year they were present in 700 schools in England, Scotland and Wales.
Place2be was founded in September 1994 to provide emotional support at a young age. Dame Benny Refson DBE was the founder, who was inspired after a counselor was placed in an elementary school by a family unit service.
Over the 26 years as a charity, they have accomplished so much with even Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge becoming a Royal Patron of the charity in 2013.
They provide training in schools as well as support and advice to children. They created the first Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015. This is to help raise awareness about metal health and the support that exists.
These awareness weeks aim to encourage families to open the conversation about mental health support. Each year has a different theme – this year is about self-expression.
They encourage children and adults to find a way to express what they are feeling.
There are many ways to do this, through drawing, playing, photography, music, the list is endless. It’s just about finding out what works for the individual.
Accessories such as books can be used to help children understand mental health. Like “Arlen the Anxious Alpaca,” a children’s book written by Laura Matthews.
Laura is a mental health nurse, and this book seeks to help explain anxiety to young children. It also contains advice for adults. Its main objective is to be a useful resource for children and families suffering from anxiety.
This week, it’s good to think about how to promote positive mental health throughout the year. This can be done by actively listening, being present, being patient, spending time with family, and modeling forgiveness.
Looking at children’s behavior could be a window into how they are feeling. This year has been extremely difficult with the uncertainties surrounding the youngster’s routine. Like no school, some may feel isolated.
These tips can be used year round to promote a child’s mental health. So spend time with your kids, play with them, read with them, tell them you love them. Do different activities with them during this pandemic.
The pandemic has shown how quickly life can change, but it is important to ensure the stability of the child throughout it. You can always have fun during the lockdown.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2021 starts from 1st to 7e from February. For more information, visit the website at https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/about-the-week/.
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