Spotlight: Children's Mental Health Week 2026

Advice and Information - 9 February 2026

Children's Mental Health Week is an annual mental health awareness week launched by children's mental health charity, Place2Be. The week exists to empower, equip and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK.

What's the theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2026?

The official theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2026 is 'This is My Place'

We know that our sense of belonging as individuals, in our friendships, in school, and in communities plays a vital role in our mental health and wellbeing.

To know our place and really feel part of our environment is a basic human need. It can have powerful and long-lasting impacts in lots of areas of our lives, including our physical and mental health, education, employment and relationships. When we feel that we belong, it empowers us to contribute to the world and make a real difference. 

This year, Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week will aim to support the groups and systems surrounding our children. We'll encourage peers, families, schools and communities to create inclusive and nurturing environments, where children and young people feel they belong and can say "This is My Place".

What support is available for me or my child?

If you need urgent help

If you, or a member of your family, are in urgent need of mental health support – call NHS 111 and select option 2.

If there’s an immediate risk to life ring 999 or go to A&E.

You can speak to specially trained professionals who can also direct you to other services for further support.

NHS 111 SignVideo is available for BSL users. Text relay also available 18001 111.

You can also go to the NHS website for advice on what to do right now.

 

The help you get depends on what you need. It could be:

  • Self-help tools like apps, guides, and online resources
  • Talking therapies such as counselling or CBT (in person, online, or on the phone)
  • Medication (sometimes offered alongside therapy)
  • Specialist support for things like eating disorders
  • Support in hospital if you need it

What you tell services is private, unless they’re worried about your safety or someone else’s.

You can be referred by:

  • A teacher, GP, school nurse, youth worker, or social worker
  • A parent or carer

  • Or you can sometimes refer yourself (this is called self-referral)

     

How to speak to your GP about your mental health guide

If you are worried about speaking to your GP, there is support on how to.

Once you’re referred, you’ll usually have a chat with someone about what’s going on. They’ll ask questions so they can understand what you need, and then you’ll agree on the next steps together.

You can visit the NHS website for information about having difficulty getting referred.

While you’re waiting

Sometimes there’s a wait before support starts. That can feel frustrating, but there are things you can do to help yourself:

  • Talk to friends, family, or someone you trust
  • Try mental health apps
  • Do something you enjoy, like music, TV, gaming, or a walk outside
  • Be kind to yourself – your feelings are valid
  • Check out self-care tips from Mind, Every Mind Matters, or the Anna Freud Centre

You can also read about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.

There are also resourced available on the Shining A Light On Suicide website.

It is really important to let someone know if your circumstances change. If you find your situation gets worse, call or email the service you were referred to, to let them know what has changed. Or get urgent help for your mental health if you need it.

Kooth & Qwell

Kooth and Qwell are are free, safe, and anonymous online mental health services.

With no waitlists and no referrals they provide online counselling till 10pm with the offer of 18 sessions, as well as self- help tools.

They are are available 365 days a year, 24/7 across Greater Manchester for ages 10-25 (Kooth) , and Qwell for 18+.

Papyrus

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE available 24/7 on 0800 068 4141 or text 88247. You can also get in contact via email. 

BSL Support is available.

Tips for parents and carers

Community crisis drop in services:

Salford Listening Lounge

Are you or is someone you care about experiencing a mental health crisis?

This community-based service offers immediate support and de-escalation in a safe environment, a listening ear, crisis management, practical support and a quick referral to a mental health assessment if required. It’s an alternative to A&E and provides easier and more appropriate access for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.

Address: 40 Eccles Old Road, M6 8RA

Opening times:

  • Monday to Friday 1pm to 3pm

Access

  • Drop-in

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