Children’s Mental Health Week 2025

Organised by the Place2Be charity, Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 is built around the theme of Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. In partnership with Disney and utilising characters from the animated film, Inside Out 2, the aim is to encourage children to grow and develop by embracing self-awareness and building resilience. It will also discuss the importance of building strong relationships with others to better cope with life’s challenges.

It’s an important time for raising awareness about mental health issues for children. In September 2024, Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, pointed out the sharp rise in anxiety levels in younger people. Referrals for anxiety-related therapy have risen from just under 99000 five years ago to more than 200000 in 2023-24, for children aged 17 and under.

The Commissioner went on to explain that anxiety is the most common reason children are referred to mental health services, with more than 270000 on a waiting list for support. She reiterated the need for a counsellor in every school in England, as well as earlier interventions to stop children reaching crisis point. You can read more about Dame de Souza’s recommendations here.

Further information about Children’s Mental Health Week 2025, along with free resources for schools, are available on the Place2Be website.