Children's Mental Health Week 2026: This is My Place
Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February to raise awareness of the importance of children and young people’s mental health. The 2026 theme, “This is My Place,” focuses on helping children feel a strong sense of belonging in their friendships, school and community.
Throughout the week, each class took part in a range of activities designed to explore what belonging means and how we can help one another feel included, valued and supported. Our School Council also organised a variety of playground events to bring children together at playtimes and strengthen our sense of community.
Cherry Class
Cherry Class had a wonderful time celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week this year.
The week began with the children thinking about all the things they can do now that they couldn’t do when they were younger. We heard some brilliant ideas:
- “Hopping, hop, hop, hop!” – Maxi
- “I can draw monsters.” – Freddie
- “I can make eggs in the oven.” – Martha
To help the children reflect on their feelings, we played the Maraca Stop Game. Whenever the maraca shook, the children paused to share something they had enjoyed recently. Their joyful reflections included:
- “I enjoyed playing with my Mummy and Daddy. I was a unicorn.” – Martha
- “I enjoyed making a cake.” – Martin
Alongside these moments, Cherry Class enjoyed several special activities throughout the week:
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Happiness Hunt
The children searched around the classroom and outdoor area for “happy tokens”, little picture cards showing things that can make us feel good, like sunshine, friends, music, and cuddles. Each time they found one, they talked about a time it made them feel happy.
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‘Feel-Good Freeze Dance’
During music time, the children danced freely and then froze in a “happy pose” whenever the music stopped. We saw sunshine arms, star shapes, robot dances, and some very giggly wiggles!
At the end of the week, Cherry Class gathered for a circle‑time celebration, sharing positive feelings and talking about all the things that make them feel special.
Oak Class
Oak Class have embraced Mental Health Week with thoughtfulness and creativity. This year’s theme, “This Is My Place,” helped us explore the places where we feel we truly belong and feel safe. The children shared ideas such as being at home, in school, at football club, and spending time with friends.
We talked about what makes a positive friendship and how we can help others feel included in our special places. The class showed real maturity as they discussed kindness, fairness, honesty, and generosity.
To finish, the children created brilliant “Wanted” posters celebrating the qualities of a good friend. Their posters showed just how deeply they understand what it means to look after one another and build a community where everyone feels welcome.
Pupil Voice:
Arlo: A good friend is kind to me.
Bohdan: My bedroom is my special place.
Rufus: My friends at school help me to belong
