This week we launch a new set of conversation cards called ‘Conversations about Mental Health with Children and Young People’.
They are designed to help children explore and talk about mental health and wellbeing.
With current research showing that as many as one in ten children aged between 5 and 16 years (three in every classroom) has a mental health problem, and that over half of all mental ill health starts before the age of 14 years, it is vital that action is taken to help children talk about and understand mental health.
The cards have been written by Place2Be, a leading national children’s mental health charity, providing in-school counselling support and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools.
Julia Clements, Principal Educational Psychologist from the charity explained why the resource was needed and how it could help young people.
“Teachers tell us that although they want to have conversations about mental health with their pupils, they find this difficult. This was our motivation for writing this much needed resource. Teachers can use the cards in a variety of ways to help pupils understand what mental health is and how good mental health can be maintained”.
Simple and easy to use, this resource is designed to be used by school staff to help pupils start having conversations about mental health. The questions help explore and develop children and young people’s understanding about mental health, including: what it is; how good mental health can be maintained; and how to access help when needed.
If used sensitively by a trusted adult, these cards will encourage children and young people to talk about mental health without feeling it is a taboo subject.
Conversations about Mental Health with Children and Young People Cards are ideal for Teachers, Counsellors and Social Workers.
The cards are being launched in time for Children’s Mental Health Week which runs from the 6th -12th February.
This years theme is Kindness.
Find out more about Conversations about Mental Health with Children and Young People.
Author Bio: Lisa Warner, Founder at Fink Cards
Lisa Warner, one part of the Family Communication Duo, is an energetic and passionate ball of energy, whose excitement and enthusiasm know no bounds. Her drive and belief in doing the impossible has been rewarded when her mission to get families talking led her to found the incredibly successful Fink Cards and won her the title of Female Entrepreneur of the Year. Her contagious positive outlook regularly see her appearing on the radio, in newspapers and magazines where she will happily talk about the importance of good family communication. The entrepreneur, activist and energiser's proudest achievement to date is creating a strong and happy marriage and raising 4 confident and sociable teenagers.