āChildren have the right to the best health care possible, clean water to drink, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.ā
Mental Health Awareness Week occurs every year in May and is an ideal time for us all to think about mental health, tackle stigma, and discuss how we can create school environments that protect our mental wellbeing.
The week is based around a different theme each year, and previous themes have included nature, kindness, and body image. It is hoped that as many people as possible will have conversations about mental health and the everyday things that can affect it.
Our mental health clearly links to Article 24 of the CRC but, if you think about it, many of the other rights that children and young people are entitled to, also contribute to good mental health.Ā See how many connections you make to different rights in this weekās activities.
Have a go at one of the following activities to help you understand this week’s theme a little better.
Activity 1
Watch this video then make a poster to give people ideas of who they could talk to if they are feeling worried.
Link this to Articles 12 and 24.
Activity 2
Watch this video then talk to a friend or grown up and/or draw/ write a list of things that make you feel happy or positive.
Activity 3
Helping others and being kind can make us feel happier.Ā Make a ‘thank you’ card for someone you know to surprise them or make a āthank youā chart or ātreeā for your class and ask everyone to put messages onto it. Itās the job of duty bearers to make sure you get all your rights but itās good to thank them!
Activity 4
Think about something that you have recently learnt or something you are getting better at (for example, at school, or a sport or hobby or a skill you use every day). What does it feel like when learning is easy and what does it feel like when learning is hard?Ā Share your ideas in class and link your discussion to mental health and Article 29.
