Today marks the beginning of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week. Never has it felt more important.

Over the weekend I read a BBC News article that was yet another reminder about how much our children have been, and still are suffering as a result of the pandemic. I’ve been watching my own children and how they have coped with this and it hasn’t been easy. My ten year old has especially suffered. We had a hug and a cry (more of a sob) together on Thursday. Watching him on his emotional rollercoaster and knowing this is happening all over the country (and the rest of the world!) is heart breaking.

There is a real urgency to highlight how much our children need support with their mental wellbeing and Children’s Mental Health Week is the perfect time to do this. I’ve gone slightly off theme (this year’s theme being Express Yourself – see below) and instead want to help by sharing resources and information that may help!

So, over the coming week I am going to introduce to you authors I have met (bar one whose book I just love and want to share!) who all have a passion to help children with their mental wellbeing; whether it be through emotional resilience or to help them with questions around death.

I will however start the week by sharing my own free Covid book that I released back in March last year. I have updated it slightly and shared again as we entered this latest lockdown. With so many children feeling worried and anxious, this could help alleviate some of their fears. Please feel free to use this and pass on to those you feel it may help. I can also supply a pdf version if this is more helpful. Please email info.cskidsbooks@gmail.com to request a copy. 

You can find the online version here: https://www.flipsnack.com/CSKidsBooks/what-s-going-on.html

Children’s Mental Health Week 2021 – Express Yourself

Children’s Mental Health Week was first launched by Place2Be back in 2015 to “shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.”

Each year there is a theme by which schools, youth groups and individuals across the country can take part. This year the theme is Express Yourself. Please visit the website for more information.

Place2Be state that around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem, and many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement. We have got to do more to help our next generation.