This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week and, despite the fact it coincides with the Y6 SATs, many schools have been working with their children to highlight the importance of looking after everyone’s mental health.
BBC Children in Need have launched a new campaign film called ‘The Heaviest Backpack.’ It highlights the fact that the issues facing children and young people across the UK are growing, with 1 in 5 children now facing a mental health issue. It illustrates cleverly the weight of worries that some children carry around with them every day.
The campaign aims to open up a nationwide conversation about the importance of positive relationships in protecting children’s mental health. Being that person that a child opens up to, is a privilege, and could be the biggest factor in helping to keep that child mentally well.
This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is movement. Data from Mental Health UK suggests 82% of people believe that regular physical activity is important for mental health and wellbeing and so this is the focus for this year. Now the weather is improving, combining movement with being in nature is the perfect goal for us all.
I also think it is important to remember to check in with friends, family, and colleagues and genuinely ask the question, ‘Are you OK?’
As always lucyclaireillustration puts it best in her Instagram post:
Reach Behaviour 