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Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We'd like to set non-essential cookies, such as Google Analytics, to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our Cookies page. If you are 16 or under, please ask a parent or carer for consent before accepting.

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Let's talk about anxiety: animation and teacher toolkit

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We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

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Life can be tricky at the best of times.  So when things are weighing you down, you can't be as active, are disconnected with your friends or financial burdens mean you can't do the things you like to, it can be even tougher.  So here are a couple of things that might help:

Kooth is a free digital support service, just for children and young people.  You can chat online to friendly counsellors, read articles written by young people, get support from the Kooth community and even write in a daily journal.
https://www.kooth.com/

Healthy Suffolk has set up a special website just so you can find information about keeping mentally and physically well during these difficult times.  There is a section for young people's emotional health and wellbeing.
https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/advice-services/children

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Children and Young People - Healthy Suffolk

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Find advice and services for children and parent’s physical and mental health.

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Living on Empty?

The Wellbeing Journey is a new series to help churches and communities address key challenges in these times. Local churches are in a unique place to lead communities on this holistic journey to improved physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

The series explores holistic wellness: body, mind and spirit and is based around seven key areas of wellbeing - mindset, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial and vocational - to help you discover how to run on a full tank.

This 8-part video journey is a Hope Together and Kingsgate collaboration with Waverley Abbey. The videos are presented by Simon Thomas (Prime Video Sport/ Sky Sports/Blue Peter) and Joanna Adeyinka-Burford (BBC, Channel 5, Nickelodeon), with contributions from leading experts in different fields.

Full details of the video series are here.

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The Wellbeing Journey is a new series to help churches and communities address key challenges in these times. Local churches are in a unique place to lead communities on this holistic journey to improved physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

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Our Supporters

Funded by Suffolk Community Foundation through the Maurken Fund.

Funded by the Suffolk Community Foundation through the Reviving Our Communities Fund.

Funded by the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund, through Suffolk Community Foundation.

GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you

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Footsteps - Walking With You | Counselling For 11-25's| Suffolk

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Our Supporters Funded by Suffolk Community Foundation through the Maurken Fund. Funded by the Suffolk Community Foundation through the Reviving Our Communities Fund. Funded by the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund, through Suffolk Community Foundation. GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you

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Table Talk for Well-being is based on the '5 ways to well-being', a set of evidence-based actions which promote people's wellbeing. Each of the themes in this pack is based around one of these five areas. The sixth set uses pictures to depict different emotions, the purpose of this is to help people talk about how they are feeling.

Table Talk is a conversational game that helps you discuss challenging topics, create honest and safe communities, laugh with friends, encourage and support other people. Each of the six themes has 16 question cards in it, you can preview some of these questions below.

INTRODUCING THE THEMES

Connect

Making connections with each other, ourselves and the bigger story of the world around us is key for our wellbeing. We all know how important it is to have friends. But what other connections help you with your wellbeing and how can you make sure you keep connections strong? What about connecting with yourself? What's that all about?

Give

When so many of the voices around us are encouraging us to get more, be more, own more, do more, it is interesting that one of the ways to enhance our wellbeing is to give. Even when our motives are questionable to begin with, giving can be really good for our wellbeing. So why is it hard to give? And why do we sometimes 'over give'? How do we know when to give and what to give to?

Take Notice

You would think this is a bit of an obvious way to wellbeing. Taking notice - isn't that something we are doing all the time? However, it is so easy to coast through life and not take careful notice of what is around us, what people are saying, what signs of beauty there are and even how we are feeling.

Keep Learning

Learning any new skill helps our brain function well. Learning is something that is going on all the time, even in difficult seasons. What are you learning about your wellbeing? What new things have you learnt lately? What difference is that making to you?

Be Active

Even though we know exercise and activity is good for us, it can be hard to keep motivated at times can't it? What activities help with your wellbeing? What does 'being active' mean to you? And what can stop us getting active?

Emotions

Studies have shown on average people are only able to name three emotions. However, there are many more. Being able to explore and talk about our emotions can have a positive effect on our wellbeing. It can help us to know and develop ourselves, build healthy relationships, and help us to share what we are feeling rather than bottle those feelings up. In this pack of cards we will use pictures to explore a diverse range of emotions, why we feel them and when.

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Table Talk for Well-being is based on the '5 ways to well-being', a set of evidence-based actions which promote people's wellbeing. Each of the themes in this pack is based around one of these five areas. The sixth set uses pictures to depict different emotions, the purpose of this is to help people talk about how they are feeling.

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More than 850,000 young people in the UK have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and many more have wellbeing issues. It's an area of life that we need to be aware of, so here you'll find links to sites and resources which will help raise and address these issues.

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More than 850,000 young people in the UK have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and many more have wellbeing issues. It's an area of life that we need to be aware of, so here you'll find links to sites and resources which will help raise and address these issues.

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Parishes and dioceses have offered support to those in need in often innovative ways. Mental health support is regularly cited by Anglicans as a priority for action.

In Liverpool, St Cuthbert's Church in Croxteth Park, runs A Place 2 Be, which helps those in the community deal with mental health issues.

Revd Laura Leatherbarrow, who has a background in the NHS, described it as: "A place people can come to have a chat and we have mental health first aiders present.

"We serve food, and have games, and even karaoke.

"The local NHS also socially prescribes patients to A Place 2 Be and to the church's pastoral support team."

In London, Stepping Stones, which supports people living with mental ill health, is run by Emmanuel Church in Forest Gate, east London, in partnership with East London Foundation Trust.

The project provided laptops and internet data to help participants stay in touch from home during the pandemic.

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Church supporting positive mental health: Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 | The Church of England

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Parishes and dioceses have offered support to those in need in often innovative ways. Mental health support is regularly cited by Anglicans as a priority for action. In Liverpool, St Cuthbert's Church in Croxteth Park, runs A Place 2 Be, which helps those in the community deal with mental health issues.

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KeyCard Questions: An interactive activity where you click the button to have a question selected at random. Great as a conversation starter and getting to know new details about people.

Picture Knowing Me: Another interactive activity- this time click the button to spin the wheel which will stop at one of 20+ prompts. Suitable for conversations in one-to-one or group situations.

Insights into Me: This resource has been designed to help people get to know the small, and very significant things about one another. Can be used as a full document or particular pages selected to focus on.

Click on KeyCards above to be brought to our KeyCard Questions activity.

KeyCard Question have been designed to get people chatting and finding out new, surprising or mohttp://myhomelife.uws.ac.uk/scotland/interactive-online-activities/keycard-questions/ving insights about one another.

All you have to do is press the button on screen to have a question selected at random. Keep pressing as many times as you like.

Click on Picture Knowing Me above to be brought to our Picture Knowing Me Spinning Wheel.

Picture Knowing Me has been designed as a light-hearted, interactive way for people to share something about themselves, and learn something about others.

All you have to do is press the button on screen to spin the wheel. It will land on a topic- such as Significant Date. If you like you can share something about that topic, or spin again for a different topic.

Insights into Me

Click on the image above to be brought to this interactive resource which can be used to explore topics such as 'Eats and Treats' (mealtimes), 'Feeing Fresh and Clean' (personal care), How I Like to Spend My Day (activities).

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KeyCard Questions: An interactive activity where you click the button to have a question selected at random. Great as a conversation starter and getting to know new details about people. Picture Knowing Me: Another interactive activity- this time click the button to spin the wheel which will stop at one of 20+ prompts.

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We believe that every family should have somewhere to turn for support in both the good times and when family life is challenging.

We hope you will find advice and support to help you in your family circumstances, whether it's the excitement of getting married, the thrill and anxiety of having a new baby, or the joy, and sometimes difficulty, of raising teenagers.

We also know that family life does not always work out the way we had hoped or anticipated, and therefore we want to support couples with relationship difficulties, mums and dads with additional parenting challenges, and those who are living with loss.

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We hope you will find advice and support to help you in your family circumstances, whether it's the excitement of getting married, the thrill and anxiety of having a new baby, or the joy, and sometimes difficulty, of raising teenagers.

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Research

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Our information and advice pages hopefully have what you need. If we don't, we'll show you who can.

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Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We'd like to set non-essential cookies, such as Google Analytics, to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our Cookies page. If you are 16 or under, please ask a parent or carer for consent before accepting.

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We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

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Our Good Childhood Report 2022 shows the latest trends in children's wellbeing. Our research seeks to understand how young people feel about different aspects of their lives. This year we've found that school, friendships and appearance continue to cause the greatest dissatisfaction in adolescence.

The Children's Society

77 pages

The state of children's wellbeing in 2022

Our Good Childhood report 2022 has revealed a deeply concerning continuing decline in children's wellbeing.
This year's report shows that around 1 in 16 children (6%) aged 10 to 15 in the UK are unhappy with their lives, and almost 1 in 8 (12%), an estimated 562,000 of 10-15 year olds, are unhappy with school.

The report has been published in a period of unprecedented uncertainty for children, young people and families in the UK, as society continues to find its way through new Covid variants, a cost-of-living crisis, and the impact of global events such as the war in Ukraine.

Yet, none of these circumstances can excuse the harmful downward trend in young people's happiness shown in the report.

Measuring children's wellbeing is essential to understanding how children feel about their wellbeing as a whole, and about specific aspects of their lives. It can help highlight issues faced by young people and identify groups in need of our support. The understanding from their insights is crucial in developing powerful responses to help improve things for children and young people.

Wellbeing 'is about "how we are doing" as individuals, communities and as a nation and how sustainable this is for the future.' (What Works Centre for Wellbeing, 2022)

What does the report reveal?

As expected, the current cost of living crisis is having a significant effect on families, with 85% of parents and carers surveyed in 2022 saying they are concerned about how it will affect their families in the next year, especially as over a third of parents and carers reported they already struggled with costs of school trips and uniform over the last year.

The report also reveals that girls are significantly more unhappy with their appearance than boys, with almost 1 in 5 (18%) - the equivalent of an estimated 411,000 of 10-15-year-old girls unhappy with their looks compared to 10% of boys. This is a worrying jump for girls from 1 in 7 (15%) being unhappy with their appearance ten years ago.

The pandemic's damaging impact is laid bare, with 1 in 9 children (11% aged 10 to 17) saying they did not cope overall with changes due to Coronavirus, despite many of the restrictions being lifted when the survey was taken. Months of lost learning, facing in-person exams for the first time and mounting pressure could all have had a detrimental effect on children's wellbeing.
As a society we're all gravely concerned. We owe it to this generation and the next to take action right away.
The continuing trend revealed by the report is hugely concerning. This year's report explores young people's experiences of school, with an unacceptably large proportion of the classroom unhappy with school and thousands of girls unhappy with the way they look. We know that schools are a vital setting to support young people and improve their wellbeing, but schools need more support.

How can we help?

We're a caring and concerned society. It's natural for us to want to improve young people's life chances. But what do we need do to? Well, we need a holistic response that helps support young people at home, in education and in the community.

At schools we need to see a faster rollout of mental health support teams, alongside early support hubs in every community so that no young person has to wait for the help they deserve.

We need more support for those families hardest hit by the added pressures of increasing costs:

We need a permanent boost to the social security lifeline, to protect children from the cost-of-living crisis; including a significant increase in child benefit payments

We need to extend help with school lunches and make free school meals available to every child whose family is supported by Universal Credit.

No child should suffer without support. Every child deserves a good childhood with access to the help they need.
This year's report confirms a continuing horrifying trend. Young people's wellbeing has got significantly worse over the last decade. This is simply unacceptable. The impact of this will be felt for generations unless we act without delay. Decision makers must act now so that all children can thrive, be healthy, and reach their full potential.

Download the summary reports

Download the full report at the top, or download the summary reports here:

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The Good Childhood Report 2022 found that school, friendships and appearance continue to cause the greatest dissatisfaction in adolescence.

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The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is taking place 13 to 19 May. Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.

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A useful suite of resources

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Many children and young people struggle with their mental health. Perhaps more than you might think. That's why we've developed a Mental Health Suite to support children and youth workers, parents and carers. Explore our current resources below.

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Scripture Union's Mental Health and Wellbeing resources are intended to help you engage children and young people in supportive and helpful conversation around the challenges that a child or young person may be facing. Our Mental Health Suite has been endorsed by the Mental Health Foundation.

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FREE online training to help you spot the signs of emotional distress in children and adults, and know how to respond to them effectively.

It's increasingly clear that the past few years have had a massive impact on many people's emotional and mental health, especially children and families who have been struggling with isolation, anxiety, food insecurity and poverty as well as the rising cost of living and other pressures. As we strive towards a future where no child is without hope, we want to equip churches up and down the country to know how to spot the signs of emotional distress and respond to them effectively.

This FREE 90-minute live webinar will help church staff and volunteers spot and respond to the signs of emotional distress in children, teenagers and adults. This training provides:

A biblical perspective on being therapeutic.

Three-step guide to responding in the moment to signs of emotional distress.

Tools you can use to continue journeying alongside someone who is struggling.

TLG has over 22 years' experience in equipping churches to understand and walk alongside children and families who are struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing. We have taken this knowledge and turned it into some easy-to-understand online training.
Do you work with 8-14 year olds? Our 'The Emotional Rollercoaster' training would be perfect for you! It contains all the content from the Emotional First Aid training but is aimed at helping children specifically. Click here for more info.
Explore available dates and book on to your FREE training today!

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite
Please Note: If you have already booked onto The Emotional Rollercoaster training (for working with children aged 8-14), it covers the content of Emotional First Aid as well. You do not need to book onto both.
What difference can you make to someone else's emotional health?

"Every day, I never wanted to leave my mum or my dad. I always used to cry."

Aimee used to be gripped by an anxiety that filled her with fear at the thought of going to school. Her parents considered it a miracle if she came in for a full week and, heartbreakingly, they felt like they couldn't even go on holiday together because of Aimee's anxieties.

Then Aimee met her TLG Early Intervention coach, Ntombi, and things started to change. Dramatically.

Emotional First Aid will give you some of the initial insights and tools that TLG use to support a child like Aimee. It will help you know how to respond in the moment to distress, and equip you to journey with them through their emotional health.

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hope and a future for children and families

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Transforming Lives for Good is a Christian charity that helps churches to bring hope and a future for struggling children. From school exclusion, to poverty and holiday hunger, there are children across the UK facing some of the toughest starts in life.

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Prayer Activities Archives - Prayer Spaces In Schools

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Supporting young people aged 5-25 in Suffolk who care for or are affected by a family member's illness, disability or substance misuse.

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To experience the best that the Church of England website has to offer, you need to enable JavaScript in your browser's settings. Turnon.js provides guidance on how to activate JavaScript for your particular browser.

"For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die... a time to weep, and a time to laugh... a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

Death is an unavoidable part of life - whatever else happens, one day we will die. But it's not something we want to think about or dwell on. However, in these days of coronavirus, with news and media outlets regularly focussing on the number of deaths, we cannot avoid it. Many of us have a family member, friend, neighbour or work colleague who has been affected.

Our children are very aware of what is happening. Many are anxious, worried about family and friends, asking questions that are not easy to answer. They need us to be honest and appropriate in our responses, which means we need to face our own beliefs and questions, and sometimes admit that we don't know the answers. So, what might the Christian narrative teach us about death and hope?

This suite of resources accompanies the parallel suite for school leaders ' Never the Same' - which can be accessed

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Grief, Bereavement and Loss - Resources for Parents and Families | The Church of England

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To experience the best that the Church of England website has to offer, you need to enable JavaScript in your browser's settings. Turnon.js provides guidance on how to activate JavaScript for your particular browser. "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...

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Schools are very much at the front line when a bereavement occurs. It might - tragically - be a pupil who has died, a member of staff, a member of a child's/member of staff's family or a Governor or other member of the local community. In all schools - Church and Community - we would hope that local Clergy are able to take a lead in supporting those affected by the loss and in many circumstances help has also been sought from the LA. However, we recognise that for many schools access to guidance and a ready-made resource for use in these circumstances would prove helpful.

Bereavement guidelines

Our bereavement guidelines, for church and community schools, aim to offer clear suggestions for coping in the event of a death in your school community:

to support pupils and/or staff before, during, and after bereavement in an inclusive spirit that recognises everyone's value to God

to enhance effective communication and clarify the pathway of support between school, family and community

to identify key staff within school, LA, MAT and the Diocese and clarify the pathway of support.

Bereavement guidelines for Church schools | PDF

Bereavement guidelines for community schools | PDF

Additional appendix for COVID-19 support | PDF

Bereavement resources

We have also put together three identical packs - each containing 24 books along with a tactile Badger soft-toy - that have proved effective and have been recommended by those working in this area of pastoral need. Some of the books are for pupils, some for adults and others provide starting points for discussion of the "what if" scenarios. There are also links to the websites of national organisations such as The Child Bereavement Charity, Edward's Trust and locally, Nicky's Way.

If you would like to borrow one of our packs, please contact Jacqui Studd.

For a list of resources contained in each pack, please click here.

Further bereavement resources

The price of loss - how childhood bereavement impacts education - Bereavement: Journal of Grief and Responses to Death (July 2022)

'Never the Same' School Leadership Resources for Grief, Bereavement and Loss - based on the Church of England Vision for Education (May 2020)

Guide for schools: Talking to children about illness and death during the pandemic - University of Oxford (June 2020)

Talking to children about illness and death of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic - The Lancet (June 2020)

Talking to children about illness - The British Psychological Society (March 2020)

For any queries, please contact Jacqui Studd or call 01473 298570.

Illustration from Dear Grandpa, by Chris Lawson. © The Discovery Centre.

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Bereavement resources - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

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Schools are very much at the front line when a bereavement occurs. It might – tragically – be a pupil who has died, a member of staff, a member of a child’s/member of staff’s family or a Governor or other member of the local community. In all schools – Church and Community – we would hope that local…

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To experience the best that the Church of England website has to offer, you need to enable JavaScript in your browser's settings. Turnon.js provides guidance on how to activate JavaScript for your particular browser.

The effects of mental health problems are huge, and given the challenging times we are living in with coronavirus, it's more important than ever that we take steps to support good mental health.

To that end, we've updated our mental health reflections booklet with new material to provide hope, reassurance and comfort.

The 13 daily reflections are also available as a podcast series. Listen using the player below, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read our thirteen daily reflections Written by Professor Chris Cook and accompanied by "have a go" habits developed by Ruth Rice.

If you want to speak to someone, please visit the Mental Health Foundation website, which has lots of helpful resources and contacts.

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Supporting good mental health | The Church of England

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Helping to support good mental health from a Christian perspective. Read our 13 daily reflections..

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Mental Health Statistics UK | Young People

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How common are mental health problems among young people in the UK? These statistics show the scale of the mental health crisis among young people today.

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Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2022 - wave 3 follow up to the 2017 survey - NHS England Digital

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The Mental Health of Children and Young People survey series provides England's best source of data on trends in child mental health. This follow-up survey looks into the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on children's mental health.

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The wellbeing of young people in 2022 has been revealed in our latest report after nearly 4,900 young people took part in our survey about their wellbeing.

The data adds to the more than 43,000 responses already gathered across all years of 'My Health, Our Future'.

"The MHOF survey directly contributes towards change in our system, and young people's views should always be the lead voice in this change." - Jaime Hawkins, Lead for Children and Young People's Mental Health Transformation at Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board

You can learn more about the impact of MHoF, and download previous reports, on www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/mhof.

Download our reports

We've summarised some of the findings below, but you'll find much more detail about what young people told us in our full reports. You can access them on www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/mhof/phasesix/.

There are three reports available now:

Part one: Find out who took part, and explore how we measured young people's wellbeing, resilience and levels of anxiety - Download now.

Part two: Explore our data on self-reported mental health, self-harm and the impact of bullying - Download now.

Part three: Discover our insights on mental health education, supporting young people and why young people do not access support - Download now.

Our findings in 2022

The wellbeing of young people in Suffolk remains lower than in previous years of the survey, but it has not fallen further than in 2021. This suggests that young people may be starting to recover following the negative impact of the pandemic.

Key findings included:

Two in five young people reported 'moderate' to 'severe' levels of anxiety, and almost a quarter felt anxiety made things 'extremely', or 'very', difficult for them.

A quarter of young people had self-harmed. Half of the young people who reported current self-harm did not know where to find help, but awareness of support has improved

Twenty per cent of young people felt loved 'none of the time', or 'rarely', and nearly a third felt cheerful 'rarely' or 'none of the time'.

The findings also reveal higher levels of reports of bullying compared to previous years of the survey. This included bullying online (up 6%) and in school (up 10%). Overall, 30% of young people said they had experienced a form of bullying at school, or outside of school, and 50% felt they had not received any help or support to make it stop.

Compared to their peers, young people who had been bullied were much more likely to have low wellbeing, moderate to severe anxiety levels, and low resilience. They were also three times as likely to say they currently self-harm.

Wendy Herber (Independent Chair, Healthwatch Suffolk) said:

"Our findings show how important it is for young people to feel supported. We see in our results how those young people who felt they did not have someone to turn to about their wellbeing have experienced poorer outcomes across multiple measures in our survey. This is a finding of clear note for all that are a part of the lives of young people in Suffolk."In their comments, young people have told us how their wellbeing has been improved by the decisive action of others who have made themselves available to listen. From the teacher who has intervened when a young person has been bullied, to the doctor who takes the time to really listen to, and acknowledge, their concerns. There should not be a wrong door for young people who need support."We must take the time to continue to understand more about how we can foster the right support around our young people, and improve their wellbeing in years to come."

Some groups continue to experience poorer wellbeing

The findings continue to highlight how some groups of young people are most affected by wellbeing concerns. For example, young people who did not identify with binary gender categories were amongst the most likely to have low wellbeing. Furthermore, 1,058 responses from LGBT*Q+ young people highlight how they were much more likely to report low levels of resilience, higher levels of anxiety, and be more likely to report self-harm.

"I just wish my school could help those who have parents that dislike their children for their chosen gender and sexuality, and if my school notices people who are struggling with others who bully them for their life choices."

Commenting on the findings, Andy Fell (LGBT*Q+ Youth Development Worker for Outreach Youth) said:

"We welcome the opportunity that the MHoF survey provides young people, particularly LGBT*Q+ young people, to share their lived life experiences of growing up in the county. It is vital in understanding the challenges faced by local young LGBT*Q+ people, and other issues they care about."The increase in participants identifying their sexuality and/or gender identity should be welcome as we believe it shows growing confidence within the young LGBT*Q+ community to highlight their presence, and to challenge service providers to develop accessible, appropriate and representative services."We know that young LGBTQ+ people face disproportionate challenges, but the survey also shows how sending positive messages of LGBT*Q+ acceptance can lead to better outcomes for all young people."

Isiah, 21, said:

"Growing up, lots of my LGBT*Q+ friends experience poor emotional wellbeing due to how they feel society expects them to be; by completing the survey, young LGBT*Q+ people are helping Suffolk to become more inclusive".

How the results are used

Our MHoF data is used by local NHS and social care leaders, schools, colleges, and other organisations to shape support for young people. You can learn more about this on www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/mhof/impact-2/.

Jaime Hawkins (Lead for Children and Young People's Mental Health Transformation, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board) said:

"We continue to be extremely impressed by the engagement from our young people and education providers in the MHOF survey. "Whilst the results in the 2022 survey are not a reflection of where we would want to be as a system in terms of the support being offered, they do help us to understand where, and how, we can shift to make improvements that ensure all young people can thrive. They also highlight how we can continue to develop and grow our collective efforts in response to the things young people feel we are getting right. "Created through co-production and collective ambition, this annual survey of our young people enables us to react to support our young people better as a system. The survey directly contributes to change in our system, and the young persons' experience should always be the lead voice in this change."

MHoF in 2023

Our latest survey is live now, and available to local schools and colleges. If you would like to learn more about the survey this year, or take part, please contact research@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk or call freephone 0800 448 8234 to connect with our team.

We've updated the survey with new questions and topics exploring worries about the cost of living, healthy lives, sexual health support, growing up and puberty, and how schools or colleges could better support wellbeing.

We've also included a set of questions that will help us to understand how happy young people are with various aspects of their lives (the Good Childhood Index). We'll be able to compare the results to existing national research completed by the Children's Society to understand whether young people in Suffolk report different experiences.

The survey for 2023 has been co-produced with young people in Suffolk (including young people that are a part of our very own developing Youthwatch), schools and colleges, and also local partners with an interest in supporting young people locally.

Isobel Morath, Youthwatch Project Officer for Healthwatch Suffolk, said:

"It has been brilliant for Youthwatch Suffolk members to have such a big role in the design of the latest MHOF survey. Their candid feedback has brought a new perspective to the MHoF programme, adding huge value to the survey itself and making sure it will be relevant to the young people taking part in 2023."I know that all of the young people who took time to shape the survey with us are very excited to see the results as they become available. Youthwatch Suffolk will offer Healthwatch the best possible opportunity to involve young people in how they can be used to bring about improvements to support for young people across Suffolk."

Learn more about Youthwatch Suffolk, and how young people can be a part of our work on www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/youthwatch/

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Revealed: The wellbeing of young people in 2022 - our latest My Health, Our Future report - Healthwatch Suffolk

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The data adds to the more than 43,000 responses already gathered across all years of 'My Health, Our Future'. "The MHOF survey directly contributes towards change in our system, and young people's views should always be the lead voice in this change."

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The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Contacts

Our diocese now partners with 'thirtyone:eight' an out of hours helpline for reporting safeguarding concerns when the diocesan office is closed or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is on leave.

When the DSO is unavailable 'thirtyone:eight' will offer safeguarding cover via their Helpline (0303 003 1111). If you contact the Helpline, please state clearly that you are calling from St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese so that they can ensure information is appropriately shared with our Safeguarding team for necessary follow up on their return - an Information Sharing Agreement is in place which allows the DSO to receive a copy of any advice 'thirtyone:eight' may offer the parish church/caller.

'Thirtyone:eight' will operate Monday - Friday between 7.00 - 9.00am and 5.00pm - midnight, Saturday and Sunday 7.00am - midnight.

Our policy is to:

Promote a safer environment and culture

Safely recruit and support everyone who is working with people who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church

Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons

Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons

Respond to those who may pose a risk to others.

In order to fulfil the above policy, we will provide facilities to;

The diocese works collaboratively with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership and Police Public Protection.

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The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

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Early Years Practitioner Guidance | Babies, Young Children Mental Health & Wellbeing | Early Years In Mind | Anna Freud

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Early Years in Mind is a free online network for early years practitioners. The network provides easy to read and easy to use guidance on supporting the mental health of babies, young children and their families.

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Promote Good Health & Well-being In Your Class

Promoting good learning in your class is not always as easy as teaching students the facts. You have to consider the pupils that are learning as well. As part of pupils' early development, they will have to consider not just educational but personal and emotional development too. Our collection of mental, emotional and physical health and well-being activities and exercises contain enough to promote the benefits of holistic development for children at the Early Level. Social wellbeing is an important part of EYFS emotional well-being, since children should be nurtured to have social inclusion with other children and young people. Having a support network of friendships helps to build resilience. Resilience helps to maintain healthy wellbeing and mental health, whilst overcoming life's obstacles much easier.

It's essential for children to develop care and respect for others, whilst growing connections with others around them. It means their social well-being will see them having a much happier and fulfilling lifestyle as they grow. Our resources will help you maintain and promote a calm classroom environment that will be beneficial to your students' education.

Children who are positively motivated, physically encouraged, and in comfortable environments, are going to be more open to learning. They'll be more motivated in lessons and overall more comfortable and confident when it comes to exercises such as speaking out loud in front of the class. It can also help them to develop a positive growth mindset - the perfect way to deal with academic pressure later in life.

Use our collection of great early years health and well-being activities to help your student's development. They're designed so that you can download, print out, and use them immediately with your nursery or Primary 1 classes, saving you time in the classroom.

Twinkl has an amazing selection of engaging learning materials. Subscribe and download today to get involved!

Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health Activities

Our range of early years health and EYFS emotional well-being activities and exercises has enough variety to provide an activity to tackle every kind of obstacle your class may have to overcome. We have covered topics from Why It's Good To Talk, to Learning Through Play, to Is It Safe To Cross The Road? And that is just the tip of the iceberg!

If you like these resources, we also do some Self-Regulation Teaching Activity Ideas which are a great find for EYFS emotional wellbeing in SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children. It's perfect for those with emotional difficulties. There's everything from specialised outdoor activities, to instructions for making a stress ball that children can use to soothe themselves. The pack also includes a helpful scale highlighting 'zones'. This helps you to tell where a child is on the scale, so that you can help them accordingly. There are some surprising tips that children can use for reducing anxiety symptoms and controlling associated adverse behaviour.

All our resources come teacher-made, so you can be guaranteed of their accuracy when it comes to supporting the Curriculum for Excellence framework for Health and Well-being. At Early Level, children will learn about friendship, caring, sharing, fairness, equality and love as the key ingredients to a healthy and happy relationship. They can apply what they learn from our health and wellbeing activities with their friends at school or their family at home. Calm breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness can have a positive effect on children's behaviour even at a young age, so consider bringing these lessons into your home learning environment.

Practising mindfulness is great for EYFS emotional well-being. It's an important age for emotional development. Tools like mindfulness can be really beneficial for youngsters to build a relationship with themselves emotionally. Children can gain a much clearer insight toward their feelings, and understand why they are feeling the way they do at times. Young children especially can become confused by their emotions. When under pressure that's hard for them to handle, children don't always understand why they feel a certain way. It can lead to emotional outbursts, unexpected lashing out, and tantrums.

This behaviour can happen for seemingly trivial reasons like tiredness or hunger. They can also happen for deeper emotive reasons. Not being able to describe their feelings or cope with them can be frustrating for young children.

Coping skills can be very valuable when it comes to EYFS emotional well-being and development. Children can self-teach how to manage difficult emotions. EYFS children's feelings can become quite intense. This can come out in outbursts of anger, and they can become easily frustrated. At times, children can even become withdrawn and noticeably quiet due to having difficulty in managing emotions.

When it comes to EYFS emotional well-being, it's beneficial if you're able to try to notice the signs. Children aren't always 'acting up' because they're just badly behaved. Their emotional wellbeing might be taking a hit.

By the time children reach the ages of five and above, their emotional development begins to expand. They'll have become lots better at emotion regulating, impulse control, and talking about feelings. EYFS emotional well-being is still something that might need a little more care and direction. Allow children to develop at their own pace but instilling them with important values, a strong moral sense of responsibility and empathy. This is as well as an understanding of the differences and similarities implicit between all people, using our holistic EYFS emotional well-being exercises and health activities.

A Quick Guided Meditation

One of the best activities to try out on the fly to promote mental and emotional health is a guided meditation. These don't have to take long. This one can be as short as a minute or two!

Take a moment, put your feet flat on the floor, let your arms fall to the side.

Take a breath in through your nose.

Close your eyes and picture somewhere or something that relaxes you. Go to it.

Stay there for as long as is comfortable.

Breathe out through your mouth.

Come back to this when you need a moment of calm

Help students learn about and develop techniques like this and more with this great range of health and well-being activities and resources!

The above video may be from a third-party source. We accept no responsibility for any videos from third-party sources. Please let us know if the video is no longer working.

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EYFS Emotional Well-being - Activities and Resources

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Promoting good learning in your class is not always as easy as teaching students the facts. You have to consider the pupils that are learning as well. As part of pupils' early development, they will have to consider not just educational but personal and emotional development too.

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Sonia Mainstone-Cotton, early years nurture and wellbeing trainer, and early years consultant, explains how you and your staff can take care of children's mental health. This article orginally appeared in the Alliance's Under 5 membership magazine.
Wellbeing is a term we hear a lot when discussing adults and young people - but we don't often think about it so much for young children. We know that rates of teenage mental health problems are rising alarmingly and we are aware that young people can feel stressed at times. But I passionately believe that if we work to support the youngest children's wellbeing as well then we are setting them off to a great start in in life.

One critical factor in helping children improve their wellbeing is making sure that they know that they are loved for being the unique and precious individuals that they are. Parents and grandparents clearly have a crucial role to play in letting children know that they are unconditionally loved, but I also believe that key workers, childminders and other early years practitioners have their own role to play in showing children that they are loved and wanted.

Practitioners can show children that they are loved through the words they use and the way we interact with them. As part of my role as a nurture consultant, I work with eight children and schools throughout the year. Every time I speak to one of these children I look them in the eyes and tell them how lovely it is to see them today and how much I have been looking forward to our time together.

Think about how you welcome the children you work with each day. Show warmth in your smile and your words. Notice how they look - maybe they have a Spiderman hat on or a new hair band in their hair. By noticing these things that are important to children and telling them how delighted you are to see them, you will help them arrive feeling wanted and loved.

Here are some practical ideas for supporting young children's wellbeing:

Playing outside

Research shows that children have a need to be outside, taking opportunities to explore, discover, climb and run. Make sure you involve children in using your outdoor space by asking them to help create obstacle courses for one another, asking them to think about what tools and resources they will need. Or you could provide materials for the children to make dens outdoors. Could they have a picnic in their den?

Another idea is to ask older children to help make a treasure hunt and map for the younger children. Ask them to draw the map and plan out the route. They can also think about what the treasure will be.

Use emotional language

We need to help children understand their feelings and using emotional language will help give them the vocabulary they need to understand their own feelings, as well as other people's. Even when children are babies we can start talking about their feelings. For example, when a baby is crying to be fed, we can say: "It's okay, I know you are feeling hungry. I am going to feed you now."

When a toddler is crying because their parent has left them at nursery, we can say: "I can see that you are really sad that Mummy has gone. She will be back later but I am here for you now."

Stop rushing

Our lives are often very busy, and our children's lives can often be busy too. We need to help children find the time to rest and experience moments of stillness. Are there spaces in your setting where your child can lay back and relax or daydream? You can also use yoga and mindfulness with young children. Both of these practices help children to find stillness.

Being creative

Creativity is an essential part of wellbeing. We need to give children the space to be creative and join in the process with them. Find times to sing and dance with children, this can be a joyful experience. Give children the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of materials and mark-making tools. Creativity should be about enjoying the activity and not about having a finished product.

Join in
Find out more about the event, or book your tickets, here To find out more about Sonia's work, visit her website here This article originally Find out more about the magazine, request your free taster copy, or sign up to the newsletter mailing list here appeared in the Alliance's Under 5 membership magazine.
Children have a passion for learning and discovering. They need adults around them who want to learn and explore with them. I believe one of our roles as practitioners is to be a co-explorer and adventurer with children. Children are great at becoming fascinated by something - this might be the snail and sticks you see on the road as you are walking to the shops, or it might be a keen interest in dinosaurs. As adults we can express our own interests and delight our children by learning alongside them, allowing their natural interests to shape our daily activities.

Sonia Mainstone-Cotton will run a practical workshop on Promoting Emotional Wellbeing in Early Years Staff at this year's Alliance annual conference, Minds matter: protecting the wellbeing of children and practitioners in the early years, on Friday 1 June 2018.

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Happy children - taking care of young people's wellbeing

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Sonia Mainstone-Cotton, early years nurture and wellbeing trainer, and early years consultant, explains how you and your staff can take care of children's mental health.

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Introduction

Why is it important to promote children's mental health and wellbeing?

Promoting children and young people's wellbeing is a key part of keeping them safe, helping them develop and ensuring they have positive outcomes into adulthood (Public Health England, 2021).

Mental health plays a key role in a child's overall wellbeing and can be affected by various factors, including:

abuse and neglect

family circumstances

environment

stress

loneliness or social isolation.

Negative experiences can adversely affect a child's mental health, just as positive experiences can help improve it.
> Learn more about child mental health
Everyone's responsibility

Anyone who works with children and young people has a responsibility to promote their wellbeing, recognise any concerns about a child's welfare and know what action to take to keep children safe.

We've put together some tips and resources to help you promote mental wellbeing in the children and young people you work with. This includes:

talking with children about their mental health

strategies to help improve mental health

tips to share with parents and carers.

Starting the conversation

Starting the conversation

Make space and time to talk

It's important to create an open environment where children and young people can talk about how they feel without judgement.

Make time to check in with the children and young people you work with. Talk about how they are feeling, in large or small groups or on a one-to-one basis as appropriate.

In schools, colleges or academies, you can integrate discussions about mental health and wellbeing into the curriculum. This will help you understand how pupils feel about a particular issue you're discussing.

It's also important to give children and young people space to talk about what is happening globally, nationally or locally - such as climate change, cost of living, terrorism, crime or a bereavement.
> Find out more about how to have difficult conversations with children
Conversation starters

It can be difficult to start a conversation with children about their feelings and mental health.

The Childline website provides age-appropriate information and advice about a range of topics that can help you to start a discussion. You can also signpost children to Childline if they need additional support before or after a conversation.

Topics covered include:

Childline Kids provides tailored information and advice for under 12s, using age-appropriate language.

We've also put together a reading list of books on mental health from our library catalogue. You could share some of these with children, young people and their families to help get the conversation going.

Encouraging children to speak out

Every child and young person should have trusted adults they can talk to about any worries, concerns or questions they may have. Help them identify who these adults are by talking with them about who they trust and are most comfortable talking to. Just knowing there is someone to turn to when they need to can have a positive impact on a child's mental health.

Make sure the children and young people you work with know you're there for them. Remind them they do not need to deal with concerns on their own and talk to them regularly about where they can access support. This might include teachers, family members and services such as Childline.

Different ways for children to express themselves

Some children may feel uncomfortable about talking to an adult. They might prefer to turn to other young people for help and support (Mental Health and Camelot Foundation, 2006) or prefer expressing their thoughts and feelings through creative activities.

Children of different ages, with different developmental levels, or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to express themselves or communicate clearly or easily. They may require more help, patience and different ways of expressing themselves.

Consider providing a range of ways for children to express themselves. This could be through drawing, listening to or creating music or writing their thoughts and feelings down in a journal. They may want to share these with you or keep them private.

Children can talk with other young people on Childline's moderated message boards or use Childline's Toolbox which provides online activities for children to express themselves, including:

an art box where children can put their feelings into words or drawings

games to take their mind off how they're feeling

a mood journal to help children record what they're feeling and why

a buddy zone aimed at under 12s which includes activities and games.

Helpful strategies

Helpful strategies

Encourage children and young people to think of their mental health and wellbeing as something that is continually changing, like physical health. Some days we might feel better or worse than others but there are things we can do to improve our overall mental and emotional wellbeing.

Talk to them about strategies they can use to take care of themselves.

Some children may struggle to express their feelings or concerns. Use language that is appropriate for their age and developmental level. Give them the time and support they need to understand what they're feeling.
> Find out more about talking to children about their mental health
Exercise

Staying physically active can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, and increase self-esteem (Mental Health Foundation, 2021; NHS, 2019).

Encourage children and young people to build physical activity into their daily routines, from talking a daily walk to participating in extracurricular sports activities.

The amount and type of exercise available or appropriate will differ from child to child. Disabled children or children with injury or health conditions may be limited in the exercise they can do. There are other ways they can stay active, for example by helping with housework, playing interactive video games or gardening.

Explain that it's important for your body to have time to rest as well as being physically active. Too much physical exertion may have a negative impact on a child's physical health, which can affect children's wellbeing.

Online wellbeing

The internet and social media are integral to many children and young people's lives. They can have a positive impact on children's wellbeing by helping them connect with family and friends and express themselves in new ways.

But the online world also carries risks that may affect children and young people's safety and mental health.
> Get more information on protecting children from online abuse
Encourage children to talk about how being online makes them feel. What do they like and dislike about it? What can you do to help children feel happy and safe when they are online?

Make sure children and young people know who to talk to if they have concerns or questions.
> Take our online safety training to make sure you have the skills you need to keep children safe online > See all our resources and information about online safety > Look at our information for parents about online safety on the NSPCC website > View Childline's child-friendly information about online and mobile safety
Healthy relationships

Relationships play a key part in every child or young person's wellbeing, from friends and teachers to parents, carers and siblings.

Being able to form healthy relationships can help children feel secure and supported. But experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships can have a long-lasting negative impact.
> Find out more about our Building Connections service helping young people tackle loneliness head-on > Find out more about promoting healthy relationships > Read our information on protecting children from bullying and cyberbullying
Tools from Childline

Childline provides many online tools that children and young people may find helpful if they are feeling anxious or stressed:

Sharing tips with parents and carers

Sharing tips with parents and carers

It's important that all the adults in a child's life are able to promote that child's mental health and wellbeing. If you work closely with parents and carers, you can share tips and resources to help them do this.

Maintaining a routine

A steady routine can help provide stability in a child's life, which can give children and young people a sense of security and help reduce stress. Here are some tips you can suggest to parents and carers you work with:

plan regular weekly activities, such as seeing friends and relatives or taking part in a club or hobby

have regular mealtimes

set and stick to bed times, particularly for younger children, as sleep is important for children's mental and physical wellbeing (NHS, 2020)

establish a night time routine for younger children, such as reading a story before bed

work with older children to create a routine that works for them - including homework, seeing friends, extra-curricular activities and time offline.

Interacting with younger children

The early years of a child's life can help lay the foundations of wellbeing for their future (Falcounbridge et al, 2019). Positive interactions with adults during this time can help improve child's mental wellbeing throughout their lives.

If you work with parents and carers who have young children, encourage them to:

have individual face-to-face activity with their child, such as talking, singing and playing

follow the child's lead: focus on what they choose, and support and encourage their curiosity

maintain eye contact, as this helps build a strong relationship.

> Get more tips with our Look Say Sing Play resources > Find out more about how interacting with young children can help their brain development
Advice for parents on the NSPCC website

The NSPCC website has a range of information to help parents and carers support their child's mental health.

Some parents and carers may feel unsure about how to talk to their child about feelings and emotions. Share the following pointers to help them start a conversation with their child:

choose an appropriate time when others aren't around or where you won't be interrupted

actively listen to how your child feels

be patient and let your child talk in their own time

make it clear that you support their child.

> Share our advice for parents and carers on supporting their child's mental health > Provide parents and carers with information on how they can talk to children about sex and relationships > Send parents and carers information on what to do if their child is experiencing bullying or cyberbullying

Government guidance

Government guidance

In England, the Department for Education (DfE) has published guidance on teaching about mental wellbeing in schools. The guidance has been produced as part of the statutory relationships, sex and health education curriculum (DfE, 2020).

The DfE has also published guidance for schools and colleges on the help available for developing a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing (DfE, 2021).

Public Health England has published guidance for headteachers and college principals on promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing (Public Health England, 2021).

In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education has published its Children and young people's strategy 2020 - 2030, which aims to improve the wellbeing of children and young people (Department of Education, 2020).

The Department of Education has produced a framework about promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing in education (Department of Education, 2021a).

The Department of Education has also published a report on the level of support for emotional health and wellbeing provided to children in schools. This includes recommendations for the development and implementation of a wellbeing framework (Department of Education, 2020).

The Department of Education's resource to support children who have or may have special educational needs includes a chapter on Social behaviour and emotional wellbeing (Department of Education, 2021b). This highlights that social behaviour and emotional wellbeing (SBEW) as an identified special educational need is unique because it will affect every single member of the school community at different points. It provides guidance on developing a supportive and nurturing whole school ethos.

In Scotland, Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) includes eight wellbeing indicators and lists resources professionals can use or adapt for conversations with children, young people and families (Scottish Government, 2021). The Scottish Government has also published research on factors affecting children's mental health and wellbeing, which includes recommendations for future research (Scottish Government, 2020).

In Wales, the government has published a framework on embedding a whole-school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing. This statutory guidance aims to address the wellbeing needs of all children and young people, including staff and volunteers. Although it is aimed at schools, the guidance may apply to other childcare settings (Welsh Government, 2021).

References

References

Department for Education (DfE) (2021) Mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department for Education (DfE) (2020) Teaching about mental wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department of Education (2021a) Children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing in education framework. Bangor: Department of Education.

Department of Education (2021b) Social behaviour and emotional wellbeing. [Accessed 18/06/2021].

Department of Education (2020) Children and young people's strategy 2020-2030. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department of Education (2020) Informing the development of an emotional health and wellbeing framework for children and young people in Northern Ireland. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Faulconbridge, J., Hunt, K and Laffan, A (ed) (2019) Improving the psychological wellbeing of children and young people: effective prevention and early intervention across health, education and social care. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Mental Health Foundation (2021) How to look after your mental health using exercise. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Mental Health Foundation and Camelot Foundation (2006) Truth hurts: report on the national inquiry into self-harm among young people (PDF). London: Mental Health Foundation.

NHS (2020) Healthy sleep tips for children. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

NHS (2019) 5 steps to mental wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Public Health England (2021) Promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Scottish Government (2021) Getting It Right For Every (GIREC). Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

Scottish Government (2020) Factors affecting children's mental health and wellbeing: findings. Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

Welsh Government (2021) Framework on embedding a whole-school approach to emotional and mental well-being. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

Introduction

Why is it important to promote children's mental health and wellbeing?

Promoting children and young people's wellbeing is a key part of keeping them safe, helping them develop and ensuring they have positive outcomes into adulthood (Public Health England, 2021).

Mental health plays a key role in a child's overall wellbeing and can be affected by various factors, including:

abuse and neglect

family circumstances

environment

stress

loneliness or social isolation.

Negative experiences can adversely affect a child's mental health, just as positive experiences can help improve it.
> Learn more about child mental health
Everyone's responsibility

Anyone who works with children and young people has a responsibility to promote their wellbeing, recognise any concerns about a child's welfare and know what action to take to keep children safe.

We've put together some tips and resources to help you promote mental wellbeing in the children and young people you work with. This includes:

talking with children about their mental health

strategies to help improve mental health

tips to share with parents and carers.

Starting the conversation

Starting the conversation

Make space and time to talk

It's important to create an open environment where children and young people can talk about how they feel without judgement.

Make time to check in with the children and young people you work with. Talk about how they are feeling, in large or small groups or on a one-to-one basis as appropriate.

In schools, colleges or academies, you can integrate discussions about mental health and wellbeing into the curriculum. This will help you understand how pupils feel about a particular issue you're discussing.

It's also important to give children and young people space to talk about what is happening globally, nationally or locally - such as climate change, cost of living, terrorism, crime or a bereavement.
> Find out more about how to have difficult conversations with children
Conversation starters

It can be difficult to start a conversation with children about their feelings and mental health.

The Childline website provides age-appropriate information and advice about a range of topics that can help you to start a discussion. You can also signpost children to Childline if they need additional support before or after a conversation.

Topics covered include:

Childline Kids provides tailored information and advice for under 12s, using age-appropriate language.

We've also put together a reading list of books on mental health from our library catalogue. You could share some of these with children, young people and their families to help get the conversation going.

Encouraging children to speak out

Every child and young person should have trusted adults they can talk to about any worries, concerns or questions they may have. Help them identify who these adults are by talking with them about who they trust and are most comfortable talking to. Just knowing there is someone to turn to when they need to can have a positive impact on a child's mental health.

Make sure the children and young people you work with know you're there for them. Remind them they do not need to deal with concerns on their own and talk to them regularly about where they can access support. This might include teachers, family members and services such as Childline.

Different ways for children to express themselves

Some children may feel uncomfortable about talking to an adult. They might prefer to turn to other young people for help and support (Mental Health and Camelot Foundation, 2006) or prefer expressing their thoughts and feelings through creative activities.

Children of different ages, with different developmental levels, or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to express themselves or communicate clearly or easily. They may require more help, patience and different ways of expressing themselves.

Consider providing a range of ways for children to express themselves. This could be through drawing, listening to or creating music or writing their thoughts and feelings down in a journal. They may want to share these with you or keep them private.

Children can talk with other young people on Childline's moderated message boards or use Childline's Toolbox which provides online activities for children to express themselves, including:

an art box where children can put their feelings into words or drawings

games to take their mind off how they're feeling

a mood journal to help children record what they're feeling and why

a buddy zone aimed at under 12s which includes activities and games.

Helpful strategies

Helpful strategies

Encourage children and young people to think of their mental health and wellbeing as something that is continually changing, like physical health. Some days we might feel better or worse than others but there are things we can do to improve our overall mental and emotional wellbeing.

Talk to them about strategies they can use to take care of themselves.

Some children may struggle to express their feelings or concerns. Use language that is appropriate for their age and developmental level. Give them the time and support they need to understand what they're feeling.
> Find out more about talking to children about their mental health
Exercise

Staying physically active can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, and increase self-esteem (Mental Health Foundation, 2021; NHS, 2019).

Encourage children and young people to build physical activity into their daily routines, from talking a daily walk to participating in extracurricular sports activities.

The amount and type of exercise available or appropriate will differ from child to child. Disabled children or children with injury or health conditions may be limited in the exercise they can do. There are other ways they can stay active, for example by helping with housework, playing interactive video games or gardening.

Explain that it's important for your body to have time to rest as well as being physically active. Too much physical exertion may have a negative impact on a child's physical health, which can affect children's wellbeing.

Online wellbeing

The internet and social media are integral to many children and young people's lives. They can have a positive impact on children's wellbeing by helping them connect with family and friends and express themselves in new ways.

But the online world also carries risks that may affect children and young people's safety and mental health.
> Get more information on protecting children from online abuse
Encourage children to talk about how being online makes them feel. What do they like and dislike about it? What can you do to help children feel happy and safe when they are online?

Make sure children and young people know who to talk to if they have concerns or questions.
> Take our online safety training to make sure you have the skills you need to keep children safe online > See all our resources and information about online safety > Look at our information for parents about online safety on the NSPCC website > View Childline's child-friendly information about online and mobile safety
Healthy relationships

Relationships play a key part in every child or young person's wellbeing, from friends and teachers to parents, carers and siblings.

Being able to form healthy relationships can help children feel secure and supported. But experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships can have a long-lasting negative impact.
> Find out more about our Building Connections service helping young people tackle loneliness head-on > Find out more about promoting healthy relationships > Read our information on protecting children from bullying and cyberbullying
Tools from Childline

Childline provides many online tools that children and young people may find helpful if they are feeling anxious or stressed:

Sharing tips with parents and carers

Sharing tips with parents and carers

It's important that all the adults in a child's life are able to promote that child's mental health and wellbeing. If you work closely with parents and carers, you can share tips and resources to help them do this.

Maintaining a routine

A steady routine can help provide stability in a child's life, which can give children and young people a sense of security and help reduce stress. Here are some tips you can suggest to parents and carers you work with:

plan regular weekly activities, such as seeing friends and relatives or taking part in a club or hobby

have regular mealtimes

set and stick to bed times, particularly for younger children, as sleep is important for children's mental and physical wellbeing (NHS, 2020)

establish a night time routine for younger children, such as reading a story before bed

work with older children to create a routine that works for them - including homework, seeing friends, extra-curricular activities and time offline.

Interacting with younger children

The early years of a child's life can help lay the foundations of wellbeing for their future (Falcounbridge et al, 2019). Positive interactions with adults during this time can help improve child's mental wellbeing throughout their lives.

If you work with parents and carers who have young children, encourage them to:

have individual face-to-face activity with their child, such as talking, singing and playing

follow the child's lead: focus on what they choose, and support and encourage their curiosity

maintain eye contact, as this helps build a strong relationship.

> Get more tips with our Look Say Sing Play resources > Find out more about how interacting with young children can help their brain development
Advice for parents on the NSPCC website

The NSPCC website has a range of information to help parents and carers support their child's mental health.

Some parents and carers may feel unsure about how to talk to their child about feelings and emotions. Share the following pointers to help them start a conversation with their child:

choose an appropriate time when others aren't around or where you won't be interrupted

actively listen to how your child feels

be patient and let your child talk in their own time

make it clear that you support their child.

> Share our advice for parents and carers on supporting their child's mental health > Provide parents and carers with information on how they can talk to children about sex and relationships > Send parents and carers information on what to do if their child is experiencing bullying or cyberbullying

Government guidance

Government guidance

In England, the Department for Education (DfE) has published guidance on teaching about mental wellbeing in schools. The guidance has been produced as part of the statutory relationships, sex and health education curriculum (DfE, 2020).

The DfE has also published guidance for schools and colleges on the help available for developing a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing (DfE, 2021).

Public Health England has published guidance for headteachers and college principals on promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing (Public Health England, 2021).

In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education has published its Children and young people's strategy 2020 - 2030, which aims to improve the wellbeing of children and young people (Department of Education, 2020).

The Department of Education has produced a framework about promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing in education (Department of Education, 2021a).

The Department of Education has also published a report on the level of support for emotional health and wellbeing provided to children in schools. This includes recommendations for the development and implementation of a wellbeing framework (Department of Education, 2020).

The Department of Education's resource to support children who have or may have special educational needs includes a chapter on Social behaviour and emotional wellbeing (Department of Education, 2021b). This highlights that social behaviour and emotional wellbeing (SBEW) as an identified special educational need is unique because it will affect every single member of the school community at different points. It provides guidance on developing a supportive and nurturing whole school ethos.

In Scotland, Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) includes eight wellbeing indicators and lists resources professionals can use or adapt for conversations with children, young people and families (Scottish Government, 2021). The Scottish Government has also published research on factors affecting children's mental health and wellbeing, which includes recommendations for future research (Scottish Government, 2020).

In Wales, the government has published a framework on embedding a whole-school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing. This statutory guidance aims to address the wellbeing needs of all children and young people, including staff and volunteers. Although it is aimed at schools, the guidance may apply to other childcare settings (Welsh Government, 2021).

References

References

Department for Education (DfE) (2021) Mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department for Education (DfE) (2020) Teaching about mental wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department of Education (2021a) Children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing in education framework. Bangor: Department of Education.

Department of Education (2021b) Social behaviour and emotional wellbeing. [Accessed 18/06/2021].

Department of Education (2020) Children and young people's strategy 2020-2030. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Department of Education (2020) Informing the development of an emotional health and wellbeing framework for children and young people in Northern Ireland. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Faulconbridge, J., Hunt, K and Laffan, A (ed) (2019) Improving the psychological wellbeing of children and young people: effective prevention and early intervention across health, education and social care. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Mental Health Foundation (2021) How to look after your mental health using exercise. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Mental Health Foundation and Camelot Foundation (2006) Truth hurts: report on the national inquiry into self-harm among young people (PDF). London: Mental Health Foundation.

NHS (2020) Healthy sleep tips for children. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

NHS (2019) 5 steps to mental wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Public Health England (2021) Promoting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. [Accessed 09/06/2021].

Scottish Government (2021) Getting It Right For Every (GIREC). Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

Scottish Government (2020) Factors affecting children's mental health and wellbeing: findings. Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

Welsh Government (2021) Framework on embedding a whole-school approach to emotional and mental well-being. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

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Promoting mental health and wellbeing | NSPCC Learning

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Get information on how you can promote mental health and wellbeing in children and young people . Includes tips to share with parents and carers you work with.

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Our involvement supports emotional well-being, mental health, behaviour and learning on an individual, group and whole school or organisational basis. We work using trauma informed and person-centred approaches that draw on the strengths of each individual child or young person to find what works best for them. Our team are specialists working within the fields of trauma, attachment, adoption and sleep, where we develop and grow our evidence-based psychological approaches and therapeutic interventions.

Our team work with you in different ways, including face-to-face, over the phone and using video calls.

In recent years we have developed new ways of working, including greater use of digital tools such as virtual consultation, some assessment and online meetings.

When we work with children, young people, their families and settings we discuss how best to work with them, and make person-centred decisions based on what will provide the best outcomes.

We seek feedback and continually review how we work in order to further develop our service offer that includes face to face, digital and hybrid working (in other words a mixture of both).

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The Psychology and Therapeutic Services (PTS) work with children and young people from 0 - 25 years, as well as with the adults who care for and work with them.

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The BBC has a long commitment to tackling mental health issues in our programming and with many people still living through challenging times, it's important that we continue to raise awareness and provide help and support.
- Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer

This May, the BBC is bringing audiences a breadth of content that highlights the stories of those who have faced mental health struggles and provides audiences with help and support to build resilience and look after their wellbeing.

Content on television includes the deeply personal film, Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction on BBC One and iPlayer and Therapy: Tough Talking on BBC Three and iPlayer; and dedicated films and discussion on popular BBC shows including The One Show and Countryfile.

EastEnders will share specially filmed content on their social channels, with Natalie Cassidy talking to cast members about some of the mental health storylines the soap has tackled, in the hope of starting a conversation with viewers.

Other new films include Carl Frampton: Men in Crisis on BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer and Anton Danyluk on Body Shame on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Radio content includes specially curated music mixes on BBC Radio 3; new drama from Katie Redford, Yellow Lips, on BBC Radio 4; a week of special Life Hacks shows on BBC Radio 1; a selection of programming - One for the Heads - on the theme of wellbeing on BBC 6 Music, including four part series, Journeys In Sound, presented by DJ, broadcaster and qualified psychotherapist, Nemone; an exploration of climate anxiety in young people on BBC Radio 5 Live; a special edition of BBC 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave; and a report on the mental health of garment workers in Bangladesh on BBC Asian Network.

The programming will supplement the BBC's dedicated online resource, BBC Headroom, which was launched in response to the mental health challenges faced by many during lockdown.

The season is being supported by actor and presenter David Harewood, who presented the acclaimed documentary, Psychosis and Me and will be appearing in a short film for the BBC Headroom site and on social media.

David says: "Mental health problems are very common. When I was 23 I experienced a powerful and mind-bending psychotic episode which resulted in me being sectioned and hospitalised. It was a hugely traumatic experience, not just for me but also to friends and family who had to watch me go through it.

"With the help and support of those around me I made a full recovery, but that isn't the same for everyone. Some people need lifelong support and understanding, and this is why I'm supporting the BBC's Mental Health season."

On the BBC Headroom website you'll find a selection of expert tips, coping strategies and inspiring documentaries to help you get through the day. Not everything can be fixed quickly or simply, but knowing there are others who understand what you're feeling, and knowing there is support out there, can help."

New content on the website includes digital animations and videos on a number of themes, from how to support friends and family struggling with their mental health to how therapy actually works. The site will also act as a hub for highlights from throughout the week, as well as provide access to some of the best mental health content from the BBC's wide ranging collection across TV, radio and digital.

Content for children and parents includes a BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit with advice and tips from experts including Dr Ranj Singh and Dr Anna Colton to help parents and carers support a healthy, happy childhood. BBC Education initiatives Moodboosters and Own It host video resources, quizzes and articles for families to watch and take part in at home and there are special Mental Health and Mindfulness collections on iPlayer for CBBC and CBeebies viewers.

There will be further activity across BBC News, BBC Children in Need, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, BBC Northern Ireland and local radio.

BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds will feature specially curated content including collections of many of the BBC's acclaimed mental health documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and music with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer says : "The BBC has a long commitment to tackling mental health issues in our programming and with many people still living through challenging times, it's important that we continue to raise awareness and provide help and support.

"This year we are marking Mental Health Awareness Week with a wide range of content across television, radio and digital including documentaries, specially curated playlists, discussion and expert tips and advice. I hope it will give people the tools they need to look after their own wellbeing as well as helping them to support those close to them."

Mind Chief Executive, Sarah Hughes, says: "Our own research shows us that dramas, documentaries and news reports prompt people to talk about their mental health, seek help and support other people in their lives.

It's crucial the media helps raise awareness and provides accurate information about mental health. That's why I am delighted the BBC is putting mental health centre stage across its channels during Mental Health Awareness Week. For too long, discussions around mental health were taboo and frowned upon. No more. But there is still so much to do.

"The BBC's mental health season will make a real difference. Encouraging discussion, raising awareness and signposting where to find support cannot be underestimated."

Television
Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction
BBC One and iPlayer

Musician, actor and dad of three, Matt Willis, may seem to have it all. But behind the success there is one thing that often dominates his thoughts: his addictions. In this raw and honest documentary Matt opens up about his past and takes an extensive look into his battle with drugs and alcohol, how it has pushed him to the edge, and his daily struggle to keep himself clean and sober.
Therapy: Tough Talking
BBC Three and iPlayer

Rapper, actor, and writer Kema Kay is struggling with his mental health. A difficult and tragic childhood have contributed to his doctor's prognosis that he could be suffering from depression in his adult life. Having been advised to try therapy, in this film, Kema bravely allows cameras inside his therapy sessions to follow his progress.

Radio

BBC Radio 4
Is Psychiatry Working?
Is Psychiatry Working? is a six-part series exploring the current state of mental health care. During the Mental Health season, there will be a bonus episode on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 4 focusing on the theme of anxiety.
Yellow Lips
Katie Redford's drama tells of a daughter's memories of her mum's struggle with mental health. The young Jen never truly questioned the effect her mum's health had on her and her family. But looking back, with an older head upon her shoulders, she has the knowledge of how such an illness can affect the dynamics of a family.
Woman's Hour
Anita Rani will be joined in the studio by Manisha Tailor, Assistant Head of Coaching at Championship club Queen's Park Rangers. As well as being the first woman to hold such a position in men's professional football in England, she's a passionate campaigner for ending the stigma that surrounds mental health. She was recently featured in the Woman's Hour Power List 2023.

BBC Radio 3
Music Matters
Tom Service explores the world of gong baths to find out about the ways in which sound therapy can be used to help reduce levels of anxiety and stress.
Between the Ears: Scoring Mental Health
Radio 3's Researcher in Residence, Professor Sally Marlow of King's College London asked composer and sound artist Gawain Hewitt to lead a series of workshops with a group of people with lived experience of mental illness to co-compose new music exploring a whole spectrum of symptoms and changing feelings that words alone cannot do justice. The result is an exhilarating series of short musical pieces moving from optimism tinged with uncertainty, to deep disquiet, weaving intimate personal experiences with the acoustic and electronic sounds evolved from the workshops.
Classical Fix
Radio 3's podcast for classical music newbies marks the Mental Health season with two episodes, where host Linton Stephens discusses classical music playlists he especially put together for guests Dr Radha Modgil, BBC Radio 1 Live Hacks medical expert (15 May) and former TV anchor turned child therapist Kate Silverton (21 May).
Classical Mixtape
A week of specially-curated mixes, where Radio 3 presenters share their own selections of music that support their wellbeing.
Essential Classics
Georgia Mann introduces a special live meditation given by Maude Hirst, a former actor and now a leading meditation specialist, to help with the stress of everyday life. It will be soundtracked by one of the pieces of music especially commissioned to accompany meditation in the BBC Sounds Music and Meditation podcast, which is composed by Eleanor Haward.
J to Z: Jazz For Meditation
Jumoké Fashola presents a special edition of J to Z full of uplifting melodies, meditative grooves and soothing sounds.

BBC Radio 1

Radio 1 is planning a week of special Life Hacks shows alongside on-the-ground panels in Dundee as part of the channel's Big Weekend Outreach during the Mental Health season. This will be supported on Radio 1's social channels and on-air throughout the week.

BBC 1Xtra

Across the week, BBC 1Xtra presenters including Nadia Jae, DJ Ace, Kaylee Golding, Remi Burgz and Nick Bright will be exploring a different theme or subject related to mental health in each of their weekday shows. The network will also air a special 'Mental Health' episode of 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave - BBC 1Xtra's dedicated speech show to exploring issues impacting Black communities across the UK.

BBC Radio 6 Music

BBC Radio 6 Music is marking the Mental Health season 2023 with One for the Heads - a selection of programming on the theme of wellbeing, which will be broadcast between Monday 15 and Slow Sunday, 21 May.

Slow Sunday will feature a soothing run of programmes and a day of chilled out music to help listeners unwind. Highlights include: Amy Lamé (6am-8am) inviting some of her favourite artists to share chilled out playlists; and Iggy Pop serving up a Slow Sunday sonic cocktail with sedate numbers from Spiritualized, Cluster, a specially slowed down Nico, Mick Harvey and Punjabi-American sitar player, Ami Dang.

One For The Heads will also see the return of Journeys In Sound, a four-part series that will be broadcast on Sundays in May (1pm-2pm) and presented by DJ, broadcaster and qualified psychotherapist, Nemone. Slow Sunday will feature a special edition of the programme, in which musician Baxter Dury shares the pivotal moments that have made him the artist he is today with Nemone. Journeys in Sound will begin on Sunday 7 May with spoken word artist Kae Tempest, Northern Irish musician and composer David Holmes contributes on 14 May and DJ and producer Sherelle joins Nemone on 28 May.

Additional 'One for the Heads' content on 6 Music throughout May includes special Dawn Walks on Chris Hawkins' show (weekdays, 5am-7.30am), which will see artists including Antony Szmierek (8 May), Holysseus Fly (15 May) and Stornoway (22 May) take listeners on their favourite morning walks.

BBC Radio 5 Live

On Tuesday 16 May BBC Radio 5 Live will be running an hour-long special on climate anxiety in young people. The programme will explore how many young people suffer from climate anxiety and hear from experts including neuroscientists and provide advice to parents on how to talk to their children about the climate crisis and anxiety.

Asian Network

The Asian Network will feature a report on an innovative new project to support the mental health of garment workers in factories in Bangladesh.

BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds will feature a Mindful of Mental Health curation on the podcast page from 2nd May lasting all month, featuring podcasts on topics relevant to mental health including the likes of How Do You Cope, Music and Meditation and For Fitness Sake. There will also be a daily picks takeover on the BBC Sounds homepage from the 15-22 May to mark mental health week, and a selection of special episodes from some of BBC Sounds' most popular music mixes.
Mindful Mix with Izzy Judd
Mindfulness practitioner and violinist Izzy Judd presents a Mindful Mix including pieces by Satie, Johann Johansson, JS Bach, Florence Price, Rebecca Clarke, and John Tavener amongst others.
Ultimate Calm with Olafur Arnalds - Calm tracks to inspire confidence ft. Alfa Mist
Join Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds for a calming musical journey inspired by fresh starts.
Piano Flow with Gabriels
Find space to take a breath and slow down with Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk's favourite peaceful piano tracks.
Ambient Focus
Ambient Focus explores experimental soundscapes chosen by some of the luminaries of electronic music. This special edition of Ambient Focus features a guest curation from KMRU and The Orb.
Focus Beats
Handpicked beats and instrumentals to help block out distraction from Miso Extra.

Children's & Education

BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit offers expert-led tips and advice to help parents and carers to support school age children with learning, activities and wellbeing. With a major focus on child mental health, the articles aim to give parents tips on spotting when a child is having problems, where to go for help and what to do while accessing that support.

The collection includes video tips on how to tackle anxiety with psychologist Dr Anna Colton, articles on stigma around child mental health with NHS clinician Dr Ranj Singh and a wellbeing section with advice to help parents and carers support a healthy, happy childhood.

BBC Education initiative Moodboosters has a host of video resources for families to watch and take part in at home. BBC Moodboosters is a Primary age mental health and wellbeing initiative which offers video activities for teachers and parents designed to boost children's mood by giving them the tools and skills to thrive, feel good and help manage their emotions.

BBC Education's Own It, the destination for online safety tips and education, also hosts videos, quizzes and articles on digital wellbeing and how to make the internet a kinder place for 7-11 year olds.

On BBC iPlayer a You and Your Mental Health collection is available for CBBC viewers and for younger CBeebies viewers, a Mindfulness Moments collection to help to wind down.

BBC Scotland

Anton Danyluk on Body Shame
Anton Danyluk, the ripped reality star from Lanarkshire, has battled body insecurity all his life. As an overweight kid, he faced body-shaming and bullying. He reacted by hitting the gym to build muscle and confidence. But despite his toned body, he's still anxious about his appearance - and he's not alone. More than a quarter of teenage boys in Scotland stress about their body image and social media is making the problem worse.

Now Anton wonders if he's part of the issue as he peppers his socials with muscly selfies and gym shots. In this new 30 minute documentary he reflects on whether he is hiding his own insecurities and also inadvertently making boys believe in an unrealistic ideal body. He meets young men who struggle with their body image to understand how they're affected by what they see online and compare their experiences of body shaming with his own. In a frank, personal journey, he examines his time on reality TV and speaks to mental health experts as he questions how the media obsession with 'ripped physiques' affects Scotland's young men.

Anton Danyluk on Body Shame, is a Firecrest Films production, and will go out on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer on May 18.

BBC Northern Ireland
Carl Frampton: Men in Crisis
Two-time world champion boxer Carl Frampton embarks on a journey to understand why so many young men in Northern Ireland are struggling with their mental health and how challenging stereotypes can help men talk openly about how they feel.

Northern Ireland has a mental health crisis. It has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and the majority of suicides are men. Some areas, including where Carl grew up, have particularly high levels of suicide.

In this hard-hitting documentary, Carl speaks to experts about the challenges facing young men in Northern Ireland and what support exists for those who do seek help. Carl opens up for the first time about the things that made him feel angry, isolated and ashamed and meets other young men who are breaking the silence on their own mental health story.
Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted
Janet Devlin, from Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland, was just 16 years old when she competed in the eighth series of The X-Factor in 2011, where she finished in fifth place. After shooting to fame, loneliness and social anxiety led to a downward spiral that was fuelled by alcohol and resulted in addiction, self-harm and attempts to take her own life.

In a 2022 documentary, broadcast last year by BBC Northern Ireland - and available again for Mental Health Awareness Week - the singer songwriter talks candidly about her alcoholism and mental health and speaks to medical experts about why young women are drinking more than ever. The programme hears from a consultant psychiatrist, who considers addiction to be a mental health issue in itself.

Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted, also follows Janet as she embarks on a journey to try to understand the root cause of her addiction and how it impacted those closest to her, including her mum and her manager, who speak publicly for the first time about the effect it had on them and their lives.

Over the course of the documentary, she meets other young women from Northern Ireland who are recovering from alcoholism, or whose lives and families have been impacted by addiction. Their deeply personal stories reveal the intrinsic link between mental health and addiction and illustrate how easy it can be to fall into alcohol dependence.

Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted is available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Wales

BBC Radio Wales's Wynne Evans, will be sharing his experiences of his mental health "superpower" and will ask listeners for their advice on how they find their happy.

Every Wednesday in May, Behnaz Akhgar will support and inform listeners with a Mental Health Advice Hour from 3pm, supported by bitesize tips online. The show will also feature groups across Wales who bring people together through mental health, from boxing, singing groups, mens sheds and walking groups.

And on 15 May BBC Sounds will publish a Welsh Soundscape for mindfulness and relaxation, recorded during the Dawn Chorus at Cosmeston Lakes in Penarth.

Corporate

The BBC places the utmost importance on the mental health and wellbeing of all those who work for us. We have a range of programmes and support networks for staff focusing on three areas: prevention of ill health, building resilience and providing support where needed.

This includes online mental health and resilience sessions, access to over 1,000 staff mental health first aiders, well-being courses for staff and managers provided by the BBC Academy, the Employee Assistance Programme, which includes a confidential 24-hour support line and online chat facility with trained counsellors, and access to a remote GP. In addition, to support employees managers can arrange an Occupational Health assessment which provides advice on managing a range of health conditions in the workplace.

We have also given all BBC employees access to an online application to support their wellbeing which provides a confidential service to help individuals track and understand their well-being and mental health over time in addition to providing helpful wellbeing resources in the form of podcasts, videos and learning modules.

The BBC has embarked on a review of our health and wellbeing approaches which will ensure that our approaches are evidence-based and fit the needs of our workplace. We are currently gathering information about the needs of staff from a variety of sources and exploring how we can further develop our wellbeing offer.
EDA

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BBC Mental Health Season 2023 across TV, Radio and Digital

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The BBC has a long commitment to tackling mental health issues in our programming and with many people still living through challenging times, it's important that we continue to raise awareness and provide help and support.- Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer This May, the BBC is bringing audiences a breadth of content that highlights the stories of those who have faced mental health struggles and provides audiences with help and support to build resilience and look after their wellbeing.