Somerset County Council share 'top tips' this Children's Mental Health Week
The authority are sharing five top tips as they say 'Investing in children's futures includes taking care of their mental health'
Somerset County Council are sharing some of their 'top tips' to parents and guardians this Children's Mental Health Week - which starts today (February 6).
It's to encourage grown-ups and children to build meaningful connections as part of this year’s theme which is called ‘Let’s Connect’.
When children feel connected to their families, friends, and communities, they are more likely to flourish. In contrast, when children feel isolated or unsupported, their mental health can suffer.
Councillor Tessa Munt, Executive Lead for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “Investing in children's futures includes taking care of their mental health. The last few years have been incredibly difficult for children and young people, with the isolation that many experienced during covid, and the pressures on families caused by cost-of-living pressures.
“It's fantastic that organisations and communities are working together to support our children and young people with their mental wellbeing.
“I'm thrilled that we are supporting Children's Mental Health Week, but we must ensure that we keep up these efforts all year round.”
Cllr Adam Dance, Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity said: “The last few years have been incredibly tough on people’s mental health, especially amongst children and young people so it is really important that we focus on the mental wellbeing of our young people in Somerset.
“Relationships and personal connections play a key role in supporting positive mental health and wellbeing, especially when going through difficult periods of our lives, but there are some simple steps people can take to strengthen connections and support one another.”
Somerset County Council's 'Top Tips'
1. Connect in everyday ways
Moments of connection (and re-connection) are important in relationships between children and their caregiver.
A good opportunity to connect might be when you pick a child up from school or come in from work. Giving your full attention can help to feel better connected as you talk, smile and hear about each other's days.
Additionally, watching your child play and joining in can be really important to them. With older children, car journeys or taking some time to listen to some music together can be a good time to reconnect.
2. Be there to listen
Regularly ask how they're doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there's always someone to listen if they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.
3. Encourage their interests
Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage your child to explore their interests, whatever they are.
4. Take what they say seriously
Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.
5. Support them through difficult times
Pay attention to their emotions and remember, behaviour is a communication of a need. Try to help them work through difficulties. It's not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour but try to help them understand what they're feeling and why.
Where to go for help and support with mental health
There are many self-help options or organisations that can support your child or young person with their mental health:
- Mental Health Toolkit - for information and support about mental health as well as emotional health and wellbeing - Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing : New Home (cypsomersethealth.org)
- LifeHacks - a resource written for young people, by young people - Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing : New Lifehacks (cypsomersethealth.org)
- Mindline - a confidential listening service that's a safe place to talk, 24 hours a day - Mindline 24/7 | Mind in Somerset
- Young Somerset's Wellbeing Service - free wellbeing support service for young people experiencing low mental health needs - Wellbeing Support | Young Somerset
- Every Mind Matters - expert advice and practical tips to look after your mental health and wellbeing - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Young Minds - for advice and support, you are not alone - YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
You can find out more about Children's Mental Health Week here.