Havering & Brentwood Counselling Services is proud to support Children’s Mental Health Week.
The event - from February 4th-10th - was created to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health and is now in its fifth year.
This year’s theme is Healthy: Inside and Out and a spokesperson for Place2Be, the organisation behind the initiative explained the objectives for the 2019 campaign.
“When we think about healthy living, we tend to think about on our physical health and wellbeing, predominantly focusing on looking after our bodies. The importance of a healthy diet, an active lifestyle and getting enough sleep is well recognised and promoted, but we don’t always pay as much attention to our mental and emotional wellbeing.
“In order to be healthy overall, it’s important that we look after both our bodies and our minds. The two are very closely linked, so the things that we do to improve our physical wellbeing can help our mental wellbeing as well. When we take steps to be Healthy: Inside and Out, it helps us to feel better in ourselves, focus on what we want to do and deal with difficult times.
“It is estimated that one in every ten children have diagnosable mental health conditions and many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement.”
Lisa Mason-Gates, Counselling Manager at Havering & Brentwood Counselling Services, revealed why she was keen to back the campaign.
“Children’s mental health is and has always been one of our top priorities, since the creation of the children’s service ten years ago, “ she revealed.
“To have a week dedicated to promoting the importance of children’s mental health is an excellent opportunity to spread awareness.
“HBBS supports children and young people by offering one to one counselling for bereavement and for other issues effecting young people such as anxiety and depression.
“If any parents or young people would like further information about our services please contact us on 01277 283199.”
There are many ways to get involved and promote Children’s Mental Health Week including free to access materials which can easily be shared online using the hashtag #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek.
To find out more visit www.ChildrensMentalHealthWeek.org.uk