Supporting Children's Mental Health Week 2018

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week and this year's theme is #BeingOurselves. Children’s charity Place2Be are encouraging us all to celebrate the unique qualities and strengths we and others have. Of course this endeavour should not be restricted to just one week, it should be fundamental to all our work with children every day.

What could be more important for our children than trying to ensure their mental well-being? Do support this week in whatever way you can, either as a teacher, parent or both!

Place2Be has resources for primary schools to use both in the classroom and in assembly, go to their website and take a look!

Place2Be is offering a free introductory half day workshop to people interested in finding out more about children's counselling. Sadly the majority of these venues are now full - but do check the website.

Place2Be says, "During the workshop you will learn counselling skills for everyday life with children and young people, explore your creative side and rediscover the joy of play. You'll leave with a renewed sense of curiosity and empathy for the needs of children and find out whether further training is right for you!"

This sounds just great and why many people decide they want to teach, but sadly this ethos is so hard to maintain in today's education climate. So we need to support initiatives like this and give them as much publicity as possible.

As an ex-headteacher, I have decided to sign up to a taster day to train as a child councillor. My place is booked for March in London at the Place2Be's headquarters. I look forward to reporting back to you all.

In the meantime do take a look at resources on Place2Be's website and use them to promote happy children and happy schools.