This Children’s Mental Health Week (1st-7th February), the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is encouraging parents and other support networks to consider how they can support the wellbeing of children and young people.

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Week is ‘Express Yourself’. Expressing yourself is about finding ways for children and young people to share their feelings, thoughts or ideas, through creativity. This could be through art, music, writing and poetry, dance and drama, photography and film, and by doing activities that make them feel good.

Parents and carers play an important role in a child’s mental health, and there are lots of free online resources available to help children and young people explore what it means to ‘Express Yourself’. You can access these services on the Children’s Mental Health Week website: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/parents-and-carers/.

One of the biggest ways we can support our children and young people’s wellbeing is to look out for any changes in behaviour, no matter how small, as these could be signs that they’re struggling.

There are also other ways to make positive changes that can benefit the wellbeing of children and young people. For example, a good night’s sleep is one important factor in helping to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. Excessive screen time can impact on how much sleep someone gets, so it can be a good idea to set limits on screen time and to encourage other activities.

Councillor Stuart Carroll, cabinet member for adult social care, children’s services, health and mental health, said: “Mental health is something we all have and it is vital for every child and young person to aid their learning, education and wider health and wellbeing.

“Being open and talking about our mental health, our feelings and thoughts is really important and a sign of strength and togetherness. Living through a pandemic world makes it even more important that we do everything we can to safeguard and protect our mental health. I strongly encourage everyone to express themselves and to support our young people at all times.” 

Every Mind Matters has lots of information and advice on how to look after a child or young person’s mental health which is available on their website: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/childrens-mental-health/.

Residents can also access a range of services and resources dedicated to supporting children and young people’s mental health in the borough.                                                                                                

Information about Early Help services for children, young people and families: 

 https://rbwmsafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/assets/1/early_help_services_booklet.pdf

Wellbeing toolkit - advice on mental health and wellbeing, and support and resources available locally and nationally: 

 The council’s children and young people’s services can be found on the RBWM website: https://rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk/