Children’s Mental Health Week 2025: What parents need to know

Organised by the charity Place2Be, the annual event encourages children to talk about their feelings and equips parents, schools, and communities with tools to support mental health.

Each year, the week has a theme. For 2025, it’s Know yourself, Grow yourself, which focuses on self-awareness—helping kids recognise their emotions and develop resilience.

Why is this week important?

Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, but it can sometimes be harder to spot when a child is struggling.

According to the NHS, one in six children aged 5–16 in the UK has a probable mental health disorder. Yet, many young people don’t feel comfortable talking about their emotions or seeking help when needed.

Children’s Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to normalise conversations about mental health, encourage emotional expression, and promote resources that support children and families.

What does ‘Know yourself, Grow yourself’ mean?

This year, Place2Be has partnered with Inside Out 2, the sequel to Disney Pixar’s hit film about emotions.

The theme encourages kids to understand their feelings—whether it’s joy, sadness, anxiety, or even a mix of emotions all at once.

By recognising how different emotions affect them, children can build coping strategies and resilience, helping them navigate challenges with confidence.

Schools across the UK will be hosting assemblies, activities, and discussions to reinforce these ideas.

Free resources for parents and schools

To help families and schools take part in the week, Place2Be has created a free downloadable resource pack. These jam-packed resources include:

• Top tips for parents and teachers on encouraging children to express their emotions
• Engaging class activities for both primary and secondary schools
• Inside Out 2-themed activities to help kids recognise and understand different emotions
• Fun, interactive exercises designed to build confidence and resilience

These resources are a great way to start conversations at home or in the classroom, giving children the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions. You can download the full pack for free on the Place2Be website.

How can parents support their child’s mental health?

Even small steps can make a big difference in helping your child feel heard and supported. Here are some simple ways to get involved during Children’s Mental Health Week—and beyond:

• Encourage open conversations – Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings without fear of judgment. Let them know it’s okay to experience a range of emotions.
• Lead by example – Show your child how you manage emotions by talking about your own feelings in a healthy way.
• Help them recognise their triggers – Talk about what situations make them feel anxious, sad, or happy, and explore ways to manage those feelings.
• Make time for play and relaxation – Activities like drawing, journaling, or outdoor play can help children process emotions in a positive way.
• Check in with their school – Many schools take part in Children’s Mental Health Week. Ask what activities they’re running and how you can continue the conversation at home.

Where to find support

If your child is struggling with their mental health, there are plenty of resources available:

• Place2Be – Offers counselling and support in schools
• YoungMinds – Provides advice for both children and parents
• Childline – Free, confidential support for young people

Children’s Mental Health Week is a great reminder that looking after mental health starts early. By encouraging self-awareness and emotional expression, we can help children grow into resilient, confident individuals.

Read more:

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• Thousands of children turn to Childline as loneliness takes a toll on mental health
• Study shows how saliva could reveal mental health struggles during pregnancy
• ‘Kindness’ named Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2024