Celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week 2025
As we celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, we invite you to join us in championing the wellbeing of children and young people across the UK. This year’s theme, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself," reminds us of the essential role self-awareness plays in fostering personal growth. By understanding their emotions, strengths, and challenges, children can develop the resilience and confidence they need to thrive, both now and in the future.
Organised by Place2Be, Children’s Mental Health Week has been sparking vital conversations about mental health since 2015. This week equips children, parents, carers, and educators with the tools needed to nurture emotional wellbeing and create a foundation for lifelong growth.
Why Self-Awareness Matters
The journey towards personal development begins with understanding oneself. For children, self-awareness can make all the difference. It allows them to:
- Recognise their emotions
- Make sense of their experiences
- Build healthier relationships
- Navigate challenges more effectively
Self-awareness goes beyond simply identifying feelings. It’s about learning how to respond constructively to emotions, reflect on experiences, and grow from them. When children embrace self-awareness, they can celebrate their strengths, overcome obstacles, and take steps toward personal growth.
Tips for Children and Young People
Self-awareness may sound like a complex concept, but small, consistent steps can help children unlock their potential. Here are five practical tips to guide young minds:
- Pause and Reflect
Encourage quiet moments to process thoughts. Activities like journaling, drawing, or talking to a trusted adult can help children better understand their emotions. - Name Your Feelings
Teaching children to label their emotions – happy, worried, frustrated, or excited – makes it easier to express and manage them. - Notice Your Strengths
Help children recognise what they enjoy doing and what they’re proud of. Acknowledging their unique talents boosts self-esteem and confidence. - Practice Gratitude
Encourage reflection on things they’re thankful for, such as a friend or a favourite activity. - Be Kind to Yourself
Remind children it’s okay to make mistakes. Self-awareness involves acknowledging imperfections and learning from them without self-criticism.
Support for Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a pivotal role in fostering self-awareness in children. Here’s how you can support their growth:
- Start Conversations About Emotions: Ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think caused that emotion?”
- Model Self-Awareness: Share your own experiences and emotions. For example, “I felt frustrated earlier, but I took a deep breath and thought about how to solve the problem.”
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge moments of growth or self-awareness to encourage confidence.
- Create a Safe Space: Let your child know it’s okay to talk about difficult feelings. Reassure them they’re not alone.
Insights for Educators
Teachers and school staff are crucial in shaping children’s mental health journeys. Incorporating self-awareness activities into the classroom not only supports emotional wellbeing but also promotes academic success. Here are some ideas:
- Incorporate Reflection Activities: Begin the day with “feelings check-ins” or journaling.
- Teach Emotional Vocabulary: Use storytelling, role-playing, or discussions to help students express their emotions.
- Encourage Peer Support: Group projects or buddy systems promote empathy and understanding among students.
Pears Maudsley Centre: Transforming Children’s Mental Health
At the heart of our commitment to children’s mental health is the Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young People. Developed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and the Maudsley Charity, this state-of-the-art facility is revolutionising how we understand and treat young people’s mental health.
This collaborative space brings together Southwark CAMHS and national specialist teams, creating a family of mental health professionals working together to support children and families across the UK.
Join the Conversation
Follow our social media channels from 3–9 February 2025 for tips and resources to support children’s mental health. Let’s work together to help children across the UK “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself” and unlock their full potential.
If you're seeking support, our website provides information on CAMHS services in Southwark, Lewisham, Lambeth, and Croydon. Visit our pages to learn more about how to access care and guidance for children and young people.
Follow our social media channels:
Twitter: @MaudsleyNHS
Instagram: @NHS_Maudsley
Facebook: facebook.com/slamnhs/
