Today is the start of Children’s Mental Health Week. The past year has been incredibly challenging for young people. Uncertainty, lack of stability, and stress surrounding school and exams has provided huge challenges for children and young people.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2021 runs from 1st – 7th February and the theme for the campaign this year is Express Yourself.
You can attend a virtual assembly discussing themes of the week, and how to get involved from home, from the 1st February here.
Looking for more activities you can do as a family? Here are some ideas from the Place2Be charity running the campaign.
If you would like some more information on Place2Be or the work that they do, you can find this here.
Help for young people
Childline (for under 19s)
Childline can help by talking with you about the problems you’re experiencing. You can phone, or you can talk via an online chat 1-2-1 with a counsellor.
Telephone: 0800 1111 – available 24 hours a day, this number is free and will not show on a phone bill.
YoungMinds
For more information and advice on symptoms you’re experiencing, please visit the YoungMinds website.
Richmond Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
For more information on clinical help, please look online.
Richmond Borough Mind
Richmond Borough Mind provides resources and information on where to find support locally here.
The national website for the charity Mind also has very good resources and information on mental health and wellbeing.
Off the Record Twickenham
Off the Record is a charity in Twickenham providing drop-in counselling, information and a sexual health service for young people aged 11-24 who live, work or study in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. You can find out more about their services here.
If you or your child is experiencing mental health difficulties, book an appointment and speak to your GP. If you feel you, or someone else, is in danger because of mental health struggles, call 999 or go to A&E.