Schools, youth groups, businesses, individuals – everyone can get involved with this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week. By combining our efforts, we have the potential to reach thousands more children, young people and families. There are so many ways you can take part in the week.
Young people’s mental health and wellbeing has never been so important. These statistics show just how big – and growing – the problem is for young people in the UK.
Young Minds website: Fighting for young people’s mental health. Organisation leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.
Introducing participation in children and young people’s mental health. Simply, participation means individual’s involvement in decisions that affect them. NHS England guidance on participation sets out two types of participation in healthcare: 1) people’s involvement in decisions about their own health – what it calls individual participation and 2) people’s involvement in the design and … More
Bolton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are promoting their new campaign Bekindtomymind. As part of the campaign, service users have created a film which aims to promote truth and honesty about what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone current experiencing difficulties which impact on their emotional wellbeing.
A collection of resources to support your class and promote the importance of mental wellbeing, for use with both primary and secondary students.
Children’s Mental Health Week in February shines a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health, launched by Place2Be, who provide mental health support in UK schools. The theme for 2026 is “This Is My Place.” You can find lots of resources to support work around this here.
Around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem (1). In addition, many children and young people struggle with a range of challenges such as bullying or bereavement.
Often misrepresented, mental health stories on screen can add to stigma around mental health conditions. Taking opportunities to raise awareness, and supporting education, cinemas can screen films to broaden understanding about mental health experiences, and ignite important discussions about how we look after each other.
Screenings can be for a range of audiences, from children and young people themselves to parents, carers and professionals who work with young people. Find some ideas for film screenings and events relating to Children’s Mental Health Week on this page.
The activity of visiting a cinema can be beneficial to wellbeing. You may wish to consider accessibility and support for a diverse range of audiences.
If you’re interested in running a relaxed screening, to help support audiences with additional needs in your cinema, find out more in our quick tips for running relaxed screenings. You may also find some transferable advice in our autism-friendly screenings guide. Ideally, consult with relevant groups in your area for advice and expertise on supporting audiences.
(1) NHS Digital (2018) ‘Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017.” Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2017/2017. Based on 12.8% of 5-19 year olds being identified as having a diagnosable mental health condition.
A handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the creative industries.
Eyes Wide Open What worked and why As always, our most successful events were ones we hosted ‘nominally’ with Picturehouse as a partner. We don’t have a financial stake in these screenings but rather are listed as co-presenters in exchange for publicity – these included God’s Own Country and Queerama. These films already had a … More
Project overview Iris in the Community was a Big Lottery funded project which ran from 2015 -2018. Its aims were to work with communities across Wales to make their own film and deliver their own mini-Iris film festival utilising films from our back catalogue. During the life of the project we engaged with 30 groups … More
