Children's Mental Health Week
Week Commencing 5th February 2024
Next week, Springdale will be taking part in Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme this year is, 'My Voice Matters'.
Children will learn about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - article 12. This states that every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes on all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.
During assemblies and PSHE lessons, we will be exploring how the children can use their voice to express their opinions and how this can lead to small changes in their everyday lives. We will also be sharing inspirational stories (some fictional and some real) of young people, who have used their voices to speak up and make a big change in the world.
Express Yourself Friday!
On Friday 9th February, we will conclude the week by inviting Years 1-4 to wear clothes from home, that help to express themselves as individuals. This could reflect their favourite colour, sports team, hobby, music genre etc. Children are also welcome to bring an item from home that may help us to learn a little more about them. E.g. A favourite book or magazine, a sporting medal or certificate, a ticket/souvenir from a special place that they like to visit. We will be asking the children to share the reasons for their chosen clothes or items with their peers, empowering them to use their voice to tell their own stories.
*See leaflet below for inspiration.
Mental Health Support at Home
The NHS ‘Every Mind Matters’ website gives simple and practical advice for a healthier mind – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting our mood or sleeping better. It can help to spot the signs of common mental health conditions and provides personalised practical self-care tips and information on further support. https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Children may need support to help manage their anxiety. Remember that a change in behaviour such as restlessness, being more irritable than usual or becoming quieter, may be underpinned by stress and anxiety. The Place2B website is an excellent tool, providing articles and short videos on how to support your children through a whole range of difficult situations. Place2Be: Parenting Smart: Articles
