The first UK Childrens Mental Health Week begins this week. The theme for the year is building resilience and teaching children to bounce forward FROM LIFES CHALLENGES. . Circumstances do not always permit for children to avoid lifes challenges however teaching children the skills to cope in a variety of different situations can build their resilience for the future.
The National Headteachers Association are currently concerned that childrens untreated mental health issues could lead to more complex issues later on in life. They believe that the one fifth of children who suffer from mental health issues need more support at school. A survey has shown that two thirds of English primary schools are not equipped to deal with the issues that they face.
Place2be is a childrens mental health charity that works in schools. They offer a variety of different counselling and support 
services within primary schools. Their patron is HRH The Duchess of Cambridge who has recorded a video message to launch childrens mental health week.
There are many ways you can get involved whether you are a school or health group, an organisation or even a parent and child.
Sadly a recent report published states that
- Only a third (36%) of primary school children have access to a school based counsellor, which meant that 64% do not.
- Most of the schools who responded are working with parents, signposting specialist services and having lessons on mental health.
- A lack of funding and a lack of services or qualified staff are a barrier to proving in school health services.
- Those children lucky enough to have access to a school-based counsellor 59% are only available one day a week.
For information on how to get involved, watch the video or read the full report go to:
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-story/childrens-mental-health-week/
You can find more information on children and young peoples mental health at:
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35502394