Raising Awareness: Children's Mental Health Week 2025 UK

Every year, across the United Kingdom, one week is dedicated to focusing on children's mental health. This week serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on how emotional wellbeing shapes a child’s world. Created to shine a light on the mental health challenges many young people face, this week is also a time for families, schools, and communities to come together in support. In this article, we will explore the significance behind this annual campaign, the organization that began it, and what each of us can do to empower children. 

What is Children’s Mental Health Week? 

At its core, Children’s Mental Health Week is about creating space to talk, listen, and reflect on the emotional health of children. It’s a week-long campaign that takes place across the UK and invites schools, families, parents, youth organizations, and mental health professionals to spotlight the emotional wellbeing of young people.

The goal is not only to raise awareness, but to open new conversations and chip away at the stigma surrounding mental health in childhood. Whether it’s through activities at school, community events, or small changes at home, there are many ways to get involved. 

Through activities, workshops, and awareness drives, this year’s theme emphasized the idea that children’s mental health is not only about identifying challenges, but about encouraging strengths, coping skills, and emotional expression.

When was Children's Mental Health Week 2025? 

Children’s Mental Health Week was held from February 3rd to February 9th, 2025, with this year’s theme being “know yourself.” During this time, people across the country were invited to explore the theme of mental health and wellness, as well as participate in events and initiatives designed to support and uplift children.

Who started Children's Mental Health Week?

The campaign was initiated by Place2Be, a UK-based children’s mental health charity known for its presence in schools and communities. Its work has been central in shaping how emotional support is viewed and delivered to children across the country.

The history behind the organization 

Place2Be was shaped by the belief that children should not have to face mental health difficulties alone. Since 1994, the charity has worked to provide mental health support, counseling, and training within UK schools.

Their services include the following:

• One-on-one and group counseling for students
• Mental health training programs for teachers and school staff
• Parenting support and family workshops
• Accredited counseling qualifications for those looking to enter the mental health profession

Over the past three decades, Place2Be has developed a strong foundation of expertise and trust. Its focus remains on equipping teachers, parents, and therapists with the knowledge and tools that can change lives by supporting young people on their mental health journeys.

Examining children’s mental health statistics

To better understand the need to raise children’s mental health awareness, it can help to examine some statistics:

• One in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023.
• Half of all mental health challenges are established by age 14.
• Over 75% of school staff believe that pupil mental health has declined over the past year.
• One in six children aged five to 16 is likely to have a mental health condition.
• About 25% of children with a mental health condition receive the care they need and deserve.

While some numbers point toward a growing concern, there is also a growing opportunity to offer support, understanding, and preventative care.

The importance of children's mental health

When a child is mentally well, they tend to be more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. They can form healthy relationships, respond to challenges with confidence, and develop a stable sense of self.

On the other hand, poor mental health can make everyday life seem more difficult. Emotional distress might manifest as behavioral issues, academic struggles, or social withdrawal. It may not always look the same, but it often creates a ripple effect across many areas of life.

Good mental health, by contrast, can help children build emotional resilience. It often empowers them to handle setbacks, express their emotions, and grow into balanced adults, and early support can make a significant difference.

The impact of raising childhood mental health awareness 

By consistently raising awareness, we can remove the layers of silence that often surround children’s mental health. Awareness can foster empathy, give children permission to speak, and equip adults with the tools to listen more intentionally.

Public campaigns, school programs, and World Mental Health Day tie-ins can each play a role, along with small moments, like a parent asking how a child really feels or a teacher noticing when a student seems withdrawn.

How schools can play a role in mental health awareness for children

Schools are uniquely positioned to support emotional wellbeing. Most children spend a significant portion of their lives in educational settings. When school staff are trained to recognize emotional distress, they can become valuable allies in a child’s support network. From quiet check-ins to structured interventions, the school environment can promote mental wellness in everyday ways.

Encouraging open conversations in education 

Encouraging conversations about mental health in educational spaces can help children know they are seen and understood. Safe spaces, such as counseling rooms, mentor sessions, and classroom discussions, can create room for vulnerability. By teaching emotional vocabulary, stress management skills, and the importance of seeking help, schools can help children embrace self-awareness.

How parents, guardians, and communities can get involved 

Children’s Mental Health Week in 2026 is scheduled for February 9th to February 15th, offering another important occasion for the UK to come together. During Children’s Mental Health Week, parents, guardians, and community members might consider:

• Volunteering at a local school event
• Sharing free resources with family and friends
• Attending a mental health awareness session or community talk

Tips for encouraging mental health in children

Supporting children’s mental health doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. Often, small, thoughtful actions make a big difference. 

The future of children's mental health in the UK

As awareness continues to grow through initiatives like Children’s Mental Health Week, there is hope for a more informed, compassionate future—one where young people feel supported, stigma is reduced, and families have better access to tools and resources.

Overall, the goal is to make mental health conversations a regular part of life. By expanding mental health education, strengthening support systems, and deepening empathy, we can gradually create a culture where every child knows they are seen and safe.

How therapy can help

Therapy can offer structured time to process emotions, develop coping skills, and receive support for both children and adults. For parents, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) may provide insight into personal habits and family dynamics. Therapy also creates space for reflection, which can help parents and caregivers better support their child’s mental health. 

The benefits of online therapy

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer various advantages, including the ability to access sessions from any location with an internet connection and the option to switch providers as needed for no additional cost. BetterHelp has over 5,000 UK-based therapists with a wide range of experience and specializations.

Research suggests that online therapy for parents can, in turn, reduce emotional symptoms in children and adolescents. Seeking online therapy as a parent may foster wellbeing in your children as well as yourself.