Place2Be announces theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

This year’s theme explores the vital role of belonging in our mental health and wellbeing. 

A sense of belonging – whether in our families, schools, peer groups, or wider communities – is a fundamental human need. It helps us feel secure, supported, and ready to learn and grow. When children feel they truly belong, they are more likely to have positive mental health, build healthy relationships, and believe in their ability to make a difference. 

For Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, Place2Be is encouraging schools, families, and communities to come together to create inclusive and nurturing spaces where every child feels they belong.  

For this theme, we worked with schools across the UK to understand the concerns children and young people are facing. Many responses focused on feeling included, able to feel accepted and be a part of something helped with their sense of belonging.   

Our free resources for primary and secondary schools, families, and wider communities will be released in the coming weeks. These will include assembly guides, slides, group activities, fundraising ideas, and more to help you take part in the week. 

Place2Be launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015. Now in its thirteenth year, we hope to see more people than ever join us in supporting children’s mental health and celebrating the power of belonging. 

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