Children’s Mental Health Week – 2026

This is my place – Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 provides an opportunity to spotlight the emotional wellbeing of young people, and the responsibility adults hold in creating safe, supportive environments with this year’s theme being linked to empowerment and belonging. In short, the theme is translated to supporting children and young people to see and feel that “This is my place!”. The mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is influenced by a number of factors with emotional, psychological and social wellbeing recognised as key areas where needs and support may need to be aligned. If we ensure our recognition of these and our responsibilities to those areas, then we as adults or professionals can support children and young people to experience that sense of belonging by establishing and offering a responsive care environment that is both inclusive as well as nurturing.

The care environment and the way it feels to a child or a young person cannot be underestimated, if it feels like it’s a place of safety then it can support inclusivity and belonging. Offering an environment that is all these things (and more, lets always work beyond the baseline) can support a child and young person to not only feel a sense of belonging but also empowered. That sense of belonging and empowerment is considered crucial to our ability to support their overall development, resilience and long-term wellbeing. 

PRICE Training aligns strongly with this by encouraging relationship‑centred practice and protecting the rights of those in care environments. Those accessing PRICE training are taught to prioritise rapport, consistency, and emotional attunement, helping children feel understood and valued. When children experience positive, predictable interactions with adults, they are far more likely to develop emotional security; something particularly important for those who may have experienced trauma, or other early life challenges.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 emphasises the principle of belonging, reminding us that behind every action is a story, and understanding that story is the first step toward providing effective support. Effective support should be influenced by open communication, promoting routines and those things that are meaningful to and for the individual. This includes the need to holistically and collaboratively recognise and respond to a child or young person when they may experience difficulties or distress linked to their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Children’s Mental Health Week encourages adults to model emotional regulation, enabling the creation of an inclusive and nurturing environment. PRICE Training promotes proactive strategies, early recognition of triggers, adapting environments, and promoting positive behaviours, so that challenging incidents are less likely to occur. This proactive mindset mirrors the goals of Children’s Mental Health Week, which emphasises creating cultures where wellbeing is prioritised rather than only addressed at moments of crisis. When children’s emotional needs are met early, they are far more likely to thrive socially, academically, and personally.

Ultimately, Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 serves as a reminder that every child deserves safety, dignity, and connection. PRICE Training supports professionals in providing exactly that. By blending its practical behaviour support principles with the compassionate, child centred values celebrated during this awareness week, adults can create environments that nurture resilience, trust, and positive mental health. The more prepared and confident staff are in understanding and responding to children’s emotions, the better equipped our communities are to help young people feel seen, supported, and capable of growing into their full potential.