The pandemic has had a huge affect on Children’s Mental Health. Research recently published by The Lancet revealed that more than a quarter of children (aged 5–16 years) reported disrupted sleep and one in ten often or always felt lonely due to lockdowns and being unable to attend school.

The UK recently marked Children’s Mental Health Week with virtual and socially distanced events taking place.

At Peasedown St John Primary School the children used the national theme, ‘Express Yourself’, and spent time exploring their feelings, thinking about how expressing themselves can help them to feel good and contribute to their wellbeing.

Over the course of the week, pupils rose to this challenge by expressing themselves in many creative ways, demonstrating what a truly unique and talented group of pupils they are. In Year 2, pupils explored their feelings through creating their own ‘emotion monsters’, while in Years 4 and 5 pupils expressed themselves through ‘journaling’, sharing things that are important to them and which help them to relax. By the end of the week they had produced a selection of activities and displays, including crafts, gaming and artwork.

Children at St Julian’s School, Wellow, also took part. Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “Looking after our children’s mental health is vital. During Children’s Mental Health Week, our children have been ‘expressing themselves’ and learning more about how to stay mentally well – particularly important during this pandemic and lockdown.

“Whether at home or at school, many of our school children took part.”

With the help of their parents at home, pupils had a go at cake baking, making dens in the garden, painting and dressing up.

The seven-day long awareness week is coordinated by Place 2 Be, which creates lesson and workshop plans on how to support children’s mental health. For full details visit: www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk