Children’s Mental Health Week 2026
Children’s Mental Health Week takes place this year from 9–15 February 2026, and it provides a valuable opportunity for schools across the UK to shine a light on the emotional wellbeing of their pupils. Organised annually by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the week aims to raise awareness and open up conversations around mental health among young people. [childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk]
This Year’s Theme: “This Is My Place”
The official theme for 2026, “This Is My Place”, focuses on the importance of belonging—helping children and young people feel valued, connected, and supported within their school community. Place2Be emphasises that a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s mental health, influencing their confidence, relationships, engagement and even academic outcomes. [childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk]
Belonging isn’t simply about fitting in: it’s about feeling safe enough to be yourself. Research in positive psychology highlights how connection, psychological safety, and supportive relationships, can act as protective factors for young people’s wellbeing, helping to buffer against stress and creating the conditions necessary for them to thrive. [worthit.org.uk]
Why Children’s Mental Health Week Matters in Schools
Schools sit at the heart of children’s lives, so the environments created in them truly matter. Children’s Mental Health Week encourages teachers and school leaders to consider how they can nurture inclusive, supportive spaces—both socially and emotionally. From class-based activities to whole-school discussions, the week provides rich opportunities for pupils to explore their emotions, reflect on relationships, and understand how to support their own wellbeing and that of others.
Using the Mental Wellbeing Pages in Our Student Planners
As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, the Mental Wellbeing pages included in our student planners can be an incredibly helpful tool. These sections are designed to support pupils if they are suffering from anxiety or low mood, or are worried about their eating or self-harm, both giving tips on how to self-help and suggesting when it’s time to ask for more support.
Teachers can use these pages during tutor time, PSHE lessons, or as reflection prompts throughout the week. Encouraging students to engage with the content helps them build practical skills they can continue using long after Mental Health Week has ended.
A Week That Lasts All Year
Children’s Mental Health Week serves as a reminder that wellbeing isn’t a one‑off topic: it’s an ongoing commitment.
Here are some simple ways pupils’ mental health can be supported in their classrooms every day:
- Belonging Boards: younger pupils can contribute drawings, photos, or words that represent what belonging means to them.
- Quiet Zones: a calm space where students can take a moment to reset—research shows these wellbeing-friendly environments can support psychological safety. [worthit.org.uk]
- Student Voice Sessions: short group discussions where pupils can share what helps them feel included and supported at school.
- Kindness Challenges: small acts of kindness which are shown to boost mood and reduce stress, can be encouraged and praised. [schoolofkindness.org]
By using resources available and embedding tools like the Mental Wellbeing planner pages into regular practice, you’ll help create a school culture where every child feels safe enough to be themselves.
It’s important to understand that as a teacher, you will need to learn and embrace new ways of thinking.
Part of the beauty of the growth mindset is that it opens doors to trying new things. Often pupils stick to what they know to avoid making mistakes. Reassure them that mistakes are necessary and a healthy part of personal growth.
Yes, encouraging students is vital but teachers should be praising students’ effort and growth, rather than their attainment. This doesn’t mean that you ignore the fact a pupil got an A on an essay – you just need to be careful with how you congratulate them.
