Monday 5^th – Friday 9^th February was Children’s Mental Health Week and the theme this year was ‘My Voice Matters’.

My Voice Matters is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. When we feel empowered, there’s a positive impact on our wellbeing. Children who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. This year, we want children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be empowered to work together to create a positive change for their mental health and wellbeing  (childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/schools).

The children took part in activities in their classrooms as part of their PSHE lessons during the week. The aim was for all children to be able to say - and believe - 'My Voice Matters'. The week culminated in a non-school uniform day where children were encouraged to ‘express themselves’, by coming to school in whatever they felt most comfortable wearing and in whatever they felt expressed who they are as individuals. We had a wide variety of choices, from superheroes and sparkles, to sleepwear and casual clothes, but the most important thing was that the children felt comfortable to express who they are, to celebrate their individuality and respect each other’s choices.

Attached are a few photographs from the day as well as a leaflet with some advice for families about talking to children about mental health.