Here at Action Mental Health, we believe that every child matters.
Recent studies show that 1 in 8 children in Northern Ireland experience emotional difficulties.[1] That’s three children in every classroom[2].
These figures are stark. Mental health services have been under-resourced for a long time in Northern Ireland, and too many children and young people aren’t getting the help they need.
But we know that a different story is possible for children and young people. Evidence shows us that empowering children and young people can have a profoundly positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard, and that what they say makes a difference, have higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem.[3] We know that there are so many tools and techniques that can help children look after their minds as well as their bodies – we’re so please that our AMH MensSana team are able to share these tips and techniques with so many children and young people every year.
We’re delighted to be participating in Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, an awareness week launched by Place2Be to empower, equip and give a voice to every child in the UK.
This year’s theme is “My Voice Matters”. Action Mental Health with be joining with others all over the UK to make it clear that we want all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say – and believe – “My Voice Matters”.
Over the course of the week (5-11 February 2024), we’ll be sharing content on our social media channels, all relating to children and young people’s mental health. With videos to watch, activities to enjoy at home, fundraising ideas and content created by our very own Action Mental Health Youth Panel, there will be so much for you to enjoy and get involved with as together we seek to celebrate and amplify the voices of children and young people in Northern Ireland and support their mental health and wellbeing.
We’ve compiled an online library filled with our blogs, videos and activities relating to children and young people’s mental health. You can view that here.
So, follow along and get involved this week – share with your family, your friends, your neighbours, your church, your class, your community group.
Join us in making it loud and clear to children and young people across Northern Ireland that their voice matters. Because every child matters.
[1] Bunting, L., McCartan, C., Davidson, G., Grant, A., McBride, O., Mulholland, C., Murphy, J., Schubotz, D., Cameron, J. & Shevlin, M., (2020). The Mental Health of Children and Parents in Northern Ireland. Belfast: Health & Social Care Board. https:// online.hscni.net/our-work/social-careand-children/youth-wellbeing-prevalencesurvey-2020/ [Accessed January 2024].
[2] Based on an average class size of 25.
[3] Place2Be (2023). Place2Be announces theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2024. https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/news-and-blogs/2023/october/place2be-announces-theme-for-children-s-mental-health-week-2024/ [Accessed January 2024].
