Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

What if helping children feel like they belong could start with a few simple moments? With ready to-use resources and supportive ideas for primary and secondary schools, families and communities to get involved in Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. Help young people feel valuable and seen, without pressure or perfection Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual mental health awareness week which exists to empower, equip and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK. Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 will take place from 9th to 15th February. Place2Be is a UK charity that provides in-school support and resources. The theme for this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is “This is My Place”, which is all about belonging.

Why does belonging matter for mental health?

Our mental health flourishes when we feel connected and valued.

When children and young people have a strong sense of belonging, they:

1) Feel more confident to be themselves and try new things.

2) Develop resilience to cope with challenges and setbacks.

3) Build stronger relationships and communication skills.

4) Experience less anxiety and loneliness.

5) Have better self-esteem and understand their own worth.

6) Feel motivated to contribute positively to their communities.

Primary School Resources:

To take part in Children’s Mental Health Week, there are fun activities for primary schools to get

involved with.

Run an assembly.

To get students more involved in Children’s Mental Health Week, an easy interactive task Place2Be

has suggested is:

1. Turn to the person next to you and say your name clearly.

2. Tell them your favourite colour or favourite game.

3. Swap so they say their favourite thing to you.

4. After pairs finish, everyone quietly waves to the person you spoke to.

Another short task is a call to action for students - this week, everyone, pick one thing to try:

1. Say hello to one person you don’t usually talk to.

2. Share a toy, crayon, or turn in a game.

3. Invite someone to join your group. Say out loud which one you will try.

Place2Be have created pre-made assembly KS1 & KS2 presentations:

For students aged 4-7

For students aged 7-11

Class activities:

Get your group using their voices and understanding of listening, too.

For KS1, explore the ‘Welcome Circle’ task in the link (page 6). For KS2, read more on the

‘Belonging Mosaic’ task in the link (page 7).

Primary School Resources Pack

Secondary School Resources:

For secondary schools to get involved with Children’s Mental Health Week, Place2Be have given

more tactful activities.

Run an assembly.

To ensure students' awareness, a short interactive task, Place2Be has suggested is:

1. Turn to the person next to you.

2. Exchange names and say one thing you like that surprises people.

3. Say “Thanks” to each other.

Another short task is a call to action task for students - this week, everyone pick one thing to try:

1. Invite one person you’ve never sat with to join you.

2. Interrupt exclusion once you hear it.

3. Check in with someone who seems quieter at least twice this week.

Say your chosen number out loud to the person next to you and make a simple plan for when you’ll

do it.

Place2Be have created pre-made assembly KS3 & KS4 presentations:

For students aged 11-14

For students aged 14+

Class activities:

Classroom activities for Children’s Mental Health Week take less than an hour.

For KS3, read more on the ‘Identity Gallery Walk’ task in the link (page 6/7). For KS4, explore the

‘Belonging Action Lab’ task in the link (page 8).

Secondary School Resource Pack

Families and Community Groups:

Versatile activity:

Using available materials, create a map showing all the places, groups, and activities that help you feel like you belong. Your map could look like one you’ve seen before, with real places, or it could be completely imaginary with unusual features and outlines.

1) Draw the main outline of the land and what it looks like:

Is it an island surrounded by sea, or does the land cover the whole page? Maybe it is shaped like

something you like (for example, an island in the shape of a bird). Perhaps it is completely

imaginary and out of this world (such as candy clouds). What is the environment like: Does it have

one big city or are there many villages and towns? Are there mountains, forests, lakes, volcanoes,

and beaches?

2) Using your choice of words, colours, symbols and patterns, add everything that gives you a

sense of belonging to your map.

Reflection questions:

1) Where would you most like to be on your map today?

2) If you met someone who feels left out, where is the first place you’d like to bring them on your

map to help them feel like they belong too?

If you are looking to fundraise:

Place2Be have suggested a £2 donation per each fundraiser.

‘Come as yourself’ day - encourage everyone to wear an outfit which makes them most

comfortable, confident and like they truly belong.

Bake a difference - whether it’s a bake sale or coffee morning, showcase your baking skills, share

your favourite recipes and sell your sweet treats to your friends, family or group.

Sponsored challenge - from a walk-a-thon to a sponsored silence or a fun-filled young people vs.

adults showdown, there's something for everyone.

Host an event - organise a lunchtime games or quiz event, offer exciting prizes and come together

with your groups to compete against others as a team.

Get active - this could be anything from a sponsored walk, a dance-a-thon to a running challenge.

‘Dressed by the kids’ day - let the children take charge of your wardrobe for a day - from

mismatched socks to superhero capes, whatever they choose, wear it proudly and fundraise with

flair.

Enterprise fair - host an enterprise fair where children create and sell products that celebrate

community and belonging.

Add yourself to Place2Be’s map to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week 2026.

For more information, download Circles for Learning’s Children's Mental Health Week resource bundle here to access

support for Key Stage 1,2,3. Circles for Learning also offer an Emotional Wellbeing calendar for schools for Terms 3 & 4. Why not look through our other Wellbeing blogs to see if there are any that resonate and offer guidance.