World Mental Health Day is 10th October, and today, thousands of people across the country are wearing yellow to stand out and support young people’s mental health. We’re coming together to show young people that how they feel matters and that they deserve the support they need.

Show your support by wearing your favourite yellow jumper, bright yellow socks or a yellow ribbon in your hair!

By wearing yellow today, and donating what you can, you can show young people that you’re with them. Show them that they matter and deserve the support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

This World Mental Health Day spend 20 minutes having a conversation about mental health with your child. Here are some conversations starters you can use, thanks to YoungMinds.

You can also make a donation to YoungMinds here.

You can find helpful resources for schools and information on available programmes and research at mentalhealth.org.uk

Rates of depression and anxiety amongst children and teenagers have increased by 70% over the past 25 years and five children in a classroom of 30 pupils are likely to have a mental health issue.

According to the Pearson School Report 2023 educators have witnessed the largest increase in pupil anxiety around mental health and wellbeing which has risen substantially from 41% last year to 61% this year.

Now in its ninth year, Place2Be launched the first-ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. 

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. There is tons of advice and support on their website for parents and carers, for young people and for professionals working with young people, so do check it out at youngminds.org.uk

We want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

You can find resources for schools and community groups here to use in school, for home-schooling, online lessons or independent learning.

And there are lots of ideas and activities to explore these issues at  www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk 

There are many organisations that offer information to help you spot the sign that a child is suffering and ways to support :

The Childline website has tips to cope with feelings of anxiety caused by the pandemic - and is a great service children can contact to talk about any issues that are worrying them. Established in 1986, Childline is a free and confidential service for children to contact online, or on the phone, 24hrs a day with trained counsellors ready to listen. 

Mentally Healthy Schools brings together quality-assured resources to help primary schools promote children’s mental health and wellbeing. To support school staff and parents during these uncertain times they have produced curated toolkits, with resources to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing.

And Next Comes L has hundreds of activities and play ideas for toddlers and all school aged children. There are also a range of tips and resources to help a child suffering anxiety including printable worksheets.

The NSPCC have advice to help you support children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm. 

Books are a wonderful way to help children learn about themselves and about the world, and to share their concerns and fears in a safe environment. We are more aware than ever about the importance of good mental health, and whilst anxiety is a natural part of development for children it is important to teach them strategies to help deal with worry and understand when further support is needed.

We have gathered together a collection of books that might help relieve some of the negative feelings and help our children find ways to cope, through mindfulness exercises and gentle storytelling.

Feeling

Even the darkest storm passes,

The sun can't shine bright every day,

We can sit with our feelings and notice

How they roll through us then blow away.

taken from Happy: A Children's Book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey

In addition, you may wish to delve into our Resilience Collection and our books to Improve Self Esteem and Build Confidence.

#HelloYellow

@YoungMinds

#WorldMentalHealthDay

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