Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 in the UK is a week-long event that takes place from 15 to 21 May 2023. The theme for this year’s event is anxiety. The aim of Mental Health Awareness Week is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage people to talk about their mental health.
The theme this year is anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life, it can be a sign of a mental health condition.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to talk to children about mental health. Here are a few tips:
We have a whole range of Mental Health Awareness resources for EYFS, KS1 and KS2. This includes resources that encourage children to get outdoors into nature more, and self-esteem worksheets.
1) This Outdoor Activities – I Spy Senses Game is a brilliant way for children to play outdoors and encouraging children to connect with nature.
2) Children can independently work through this Wellbeing Activity Book and think about their thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams, as well as practise mindfulness techniques.
3) Have fun in the outdoors with our Outdoor Activities – Bird Watch Checklist. Take a clipboard and go into your outdoor area to see what you can spot! A great activity that can be done whilst social distancing.
4) Use our A Guide to Helping Children Manage Anxiety as a way to help children navigate something that affects us all from time to time.
5) Help children to practise mindfulness with our Mindfulness Visualisation Cards. An easy introduction to mindfulness techniques and gives children something they can regularly refer to.