Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 Blog
Children’s Mental Health Week, ran from 5 February – 11 February. The theme this year was My Voice Matters. The theme was about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
This week we celebrated Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week. Place2Be wants 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”.
We used the opportunity to showcase how we as a Partnership encourage young people to use their voices across our services. If you missed any of our content, we’ve summarised it all below.
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Monday 5 February
Our wonderful service user Catherine brillantly expressed their vision for Children’s Mental Health Week through art!
Meet Oak, our amazing service user. Oak explains the importance and benefits of using your voice. Express yourself, be heard – whether through sign language or art. ‘My Voice Matters’ is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
Tuesday 6 February
Breaking the silence with a goal in mind! ⚽
This #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek Anton Ferdinand tackles the stigma around #mentalhealth with the same passion he brought to the pitch. Now, his new dream team includes his little ones, teaching them that their voices can shine as brightly as the stadium lights. ✨
Remember, it’s okay to talk about how you feel—every voice counts in this game!
Wednesday 7 February
Raised in Peckham, Anton Ferdinand is no stranger to the unique challenges faced by young people in London. Discover how our transformative Partnership and the innovative Pears Maudsley Centre have inspired him.
We were pleased to be featured by NHS Providers in their latest insightful blog. The latest blog feature shines a light on how collaborative design and service user-led innovation can lead to transformational changes in healthcare.
Our dedication to pioneering young people’s mental health services has received recognition, and it’s all thanks to the core of our mission: the young individuals, families, and carers who have been integral to the co-creation of the Pears Maudsley Centre. Our commitment to listening to and incorporating their perspectives is not just something we talk about; it has been at the very core of our design process.
Thursday 7 February
On Thursday, our amazing Inpatient CAMHS Team held a successful ‘CAMHS Fete’ held for our young service users at our Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The event was held to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week and had an amazing turn out. Thank you to all the young people, staff (humans and dogs alike), and various therapy animals who attended – even during the rain. Our young people were encouraged to creatively express the theme of the week #MyVoiceMatters. T-shirts, meaningful messages and artwork on megaphones designed by current inpatients were displayed proudly for all to see.
Meet is Kay*. She took part in the DISCOVER programme, our award-winning schools-based workshop programme supporting 16-18 year olds to manage stress and worry.
This week, she’s used her voice to support others deal with the aftereffects of grief. Listen to her full story and find out more about the DISCOVER Programme
*Kay is a pseudonym used to protect her anonymity. In the video, her words are spoken by an actor.
In his third video of the week, Anton Ferdinand opens up about his mental health journey through grief after the passing of his mum . His powerful story of seeking support teaches empathy and strength.
Friday 8 February
“Speaking out doesn’t make you weak”
In his final video for the week, Anton Ferdinand reminds us to use our voices and ask for help when we need support with our mental health.
Saturday 8 February
Art in healthcare spaces goes beyond decoration. It has the power to create a sense of calm and promote wellbeing for all who walk through the Pears Maudsley Centre doors when they open. Participation and engagement from those with lived experience is vital to ensuring our service users benefit from therapeutic artwork.
Discover how Naz helped shape our arts strategy.
