Children’s Mental Health Week

This week marks Children’s Mental Health Week. It is an occasion to shine a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. This is the ninth year of the awareness week, and through the collective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an issue which has taken on even greater importance.

An Important Issue

In 2020, an NHS survey revealed that 1 in 6 children have a diagnosable mental health problem. Also, in the last three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by 50%, according to the Children’s Society.

Let’s Connect

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place 6-12 February and this year’s theme is Let’s Connect.

Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health. 

Let’s Connect is about making meaningful connections for all, during Children’s Mental Health Week – and beyond.

For Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, we’re encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways.

👆Here are some tips to help families explore the theme of Let’s Connect at home 👆

Nurturing Healthy Development

Here at Gymboree Play & Music we’re very aware of the social and emotional benefits of play.  For example, our Theatre Arts classes for 3–5 year olds develop confidence, self-expression and concentration for overall wellbeing. Also, in our Babies class, for 0-8 month olds, expert teachers lead carers and parents through nurturing exercises and activities that stimulate baby’s healthy brain development.

So, you can be sure that healthy cognitive development and wellbeing runs right through our programmes from Baby to Toddler and Preschooler.

Children’s Mental Health Week is hosted by Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity.