This year’s theme is ‘Find Your Brave’.
This year’s focus, from February 3 to 9, places children’s mental health in the spotlight at a time when around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem. Many more struggle with challenges, living with the daily challenges of everything from bullying to bereavement.
We are delighted to be joined by some very special guests to find out what bravery means to them, and how they have found their brave.
Paulo Ross (28), originally from Ardglass, now lives in Belfast and co-presents the Cool FM Breakfast Show and sport every morning alongside Pete Snodden and Rebecca McKinney. An avid Liverpool FC fan, Paulo has been a great supporter of Action Mental Health, having lived experience of mental illness in his family. Nicknamed ‘Mourne Man’ on the radio show because of how much time he spends in the Mourne mountains, Paulo also cares for his mum and finds that a weekly hike is great for his physical and mental well-being.
Teacher, Mark Rodgers, Abbey Grammar School, Newry, Co Down
Lismore Comprehensive School, Craigavon
Pupils from Presentation Primary School, Portadown
Head Boy and Head Girl of Saintfield High School discuss “Finding Your Brave”
Northern Ireland gymnast Rhys McClenaghan created history last year as he became the first Irish gymnast to win a medal at the World
Championships, claiming bronze in the pommel horse.
The 20-year-old has also booked a place at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. In 2018 he won the Commonwealth Games title and the European crown.
In addition to his world medal in Stuttgart in October, he took gold on the pommel horse at the World Challenge Cup in Slovenia.
Brought up in Newtownards, Rhys has been one of Action Mental Health’s ambassadors for a number of years, promoting the charity and positive mental health.
Irvinestown Primary School
Presentation Primary School, Portadown
Lismore Comprehensive School Craigavon
Annabelle – Irvinestown Primary School
Presentation Primary School
Irvinestown Primary School – Nick, Tori Lilly, Rachel & Lana
Irvinestown Primary School – Noah
Irvinestown Primary School – Rachel
Irvinestown Primary School – Tori Lilly
Abbey Grammar School Newry – Trent
Irvinestown Primary School – Lana
Presentation Primary School Portadown
Irvinestown Primary School Amy, Rhianna & Emma
Lismore Comprehensive School, Craigavon
Caitlin Irvinestown Primary School
Presentation Primary School Portadown
Abbey Grammar School, Newry – Rory
Lismore Comprehensive School
Presentation Primary School
Children’s Mental Health Week was launched in 2015 by Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity. In its sixth year, the week continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.
This year’s focus, from February 3 to 9, places children’s mental health in the spotlight at a time when around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem. Many more struggle with challenges, living with the daily challenges of everything from bullying to bereavement.
Action Mental Health delivers a number of services dedicated specifically to young people, from Healthy Me for primary school children aged 8-11; Provoking Thought from 11 years of age; and Mindset, for young people aged 14 and up. https://www.amh.org.uk/services/menssana/
AMH also offers a host of resources for children: https://www.amh.org.uk/services/resources-for-children-and-young-people/
You can also visit Place2Be https://www.place2be.org.uk/
