Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 9th to 15th February 2026 and is an important annual campaign that shines a spotlight on the emotional wellbeing of children and young people across the UK. The initiative was launched by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be in 2015 to give every child a voice and to raise awareness of mental health from an early age.

This year’s theme: This is My Place

The official theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is “This is My Place”. This theme focuses on the powerful impact that a sense of belonging has on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Belonging goes beyond simply being in the same room as others. It’s about feeling safe, valued, accepted, and connected within the environments where children live, learn, and grow. This could be at home with family, in school with friends and teachers, or as part of a community group or team. When children feel they truly belong, they are more confident, more resilient, and better equipped to express how they feel.
This year’s campaign encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities to help create spaces where children and young people feel welcomed, supported, and free to be themselves. Whether at home or in the classroom, small acts of inclusion contribute to a big impact on wellbeing and emotional health.

Previous theme have included Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, My Voice Matters, Let’s Connect and Growing Together.

Why belonging matters

A sense of belonging plays a key role in how children feel about themselves and how they navigate life’s challenges. When young people feel understood and valued, it supports their confidence and strengthens their emotional wellbeing. Feeling connected to others helps children develop positive relationships, cope with tough times, and feel safe to share their feelings.
This theme encourages everyone involved in a child’s life, parents, carers, teachers, friends and neighbours to create environments where every young person feels like they matter. Belonging helps build stronger, kinder communities and reinforces the idea that every child has a place where they can thrive.

Supporting professionals and educators

To strengthen the support available for children and young people, we are pleased to offer our Mental Health & Wellbeing CPD Courses designed for educators, support staff and professionals working with children. These accredited courses will help you deepen your understanding of key mental health concepts, recognise signs of mental distress, and develop practical skills to foster positive wellbeing in your setting.
Whether you are looking to boost your professional development, enhance your confidence in supporting children’s emotional needs, or meet continuing professional development requirements, our courses are structured to provide valuable knowledge and practical strategies. With CPD certification on completion, these courses also help strengthen your professional portfolio and support ongoing career development.

Explore and enrol in our Mental Health & Wellbeing CPD Courses.

How you can get involved

There are lots of ways to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week and support this year’s theme:

• Download free activity resources: Official guides, worksheets, posters and ideas are available for schools, families and community groups to help start meaningful conversations about belonging and wellbeing.
• Start conversations: At home or in your organisation, take time to talk with children about what makes them feel safe, happy and included.
• Celebrate individuality and connection: Encourage children to share their stories, interests and strengths. Listen actively and celebrate differences.
• Create inclusive spaces: Whether in classrooms, playgroups, clubs or local community spaces, think about what you can do to make everyone feel welcome.
• Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is a reminder that every child’s mental wellbeing is important, and that by working together we can build stronger, more supportive environments where every child can confidently say: “This is my place.”

For more information and resources, visit the official website: Children’s Mental Health Week.