Clare Haughey, Scottish Minister for Mental Health, visited St John Vianney Primary School in Edinburgh to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2019 (4-10 February).

The Minister met pupils and staff engaged in activity promoting this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme which is ‘Healthy: Inside and Out’.

She was joined by Stuart Muir, executive chef of award-winning brasserie Dine, who taught students how to make fruit smoothies as part of a series of activities demonstrating the importance of looking after their physical and mental health.

Headteacher of St John Vianney Primary School, Christopher Kelly, said: “Positive mental health is one of the most important determinants of a child achieving their potential. Place2Be has been an amazing partner for the whole of the school community, having a positive, direct impact upon pupils' (and their families) well-being. Children’s Mental Health Week, occupies a significant place in our school calendar, being re-visited a number of times across the academic year.”

Jonathan Wood, Head of Service for charity Place2Be in Scotland, said: “At least three children in every class have a diagnosable mental health issue, and more worry about everyday things such as school work, family life and friendships. Place2Be is supporting teachers and parents with advice on how sensible sleep habits, eating well and exercise help children and teenagers cope with these daily worries.”

Stuart Muir added: “We are delighted to support Place2Be and their Children’s Mental Health Week to help raise awareness of the importance of children and young people’s health. What we put into our bodies fuels both our body and mind and is so important to our overall wellbeing and healthy living.”

Find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week and how you can get involved