Today marks the beginning of Children’s Mental Health Week, where we shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. The theme of this year is Find Your Brave.

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes and is different for everyone. Bravery can be about sharing worries and asking for help, trying something new or pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Finding your brave can build your confidence, self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself.

Life often throws challenges our way. Bravery isn’t about coping alone or holding things in. It’s about finding positive ways to deal with things that might be difficult, overcoming physical and mental challenges and looking after yourself. 

We all have times when we need to Find our Brave.

To kick off Children’s Mental Health Week, I met with young people and mental health experts from Action for Children to hear about the mental health services which help children and young people build healthy and happy minds.

The growing number of mental health challenges facing children and teenagers is a very worrying trend. The work of charities like Action for Children are critical if we are to address the mental health challenges our children face and give them the support and foundations they need to thrive.