Children’s Mental Health Week 2027

When is Children’s Mental Health Week?

The organiser-confirmed 2027 dates are 1–7 February. Place2Be runs the campaign each February, but individual editions should be checked with the organiser rather than generated from a general “first week” rule.

This year's campaign

Place2Be confirms the dates and the 2027 theme, “Step into Our World”, on its official campaign page. The theme invites adults to consider children’s experiences and perspectives, with empathy and relationships at its centre.

School assembly and classroom ideas

• Use the official assembly materials. Introduce the theme and show pupils which trusted adults and support routes are available in your school.
• Offer a choice of responses. Pupils could draw, write or discuss an imaginary character’s experience instead of sharing something personal.
• Listen to the school day. Invite optional feedback about places or routines that feel welcoming and those pupils would like adults to understand better.
• Practise thoughtful listening. Use fictional scenarios to consider how to acknowledge another person’s feelings without rushing to speak for them.
• Make a practical follow-up. Choose a manageable improvement from pupils’ feedback and explain what will happen next. Avoid inviting views without acknowledging them afterwards.

What does Step into Our World mean?

For a school or family, the theme can be a starting point for noticing what daily life feels like from a child’s point of view. Ask what helps a child feel listened to, what makes a space welcoming and which adults they know they can approach. Do not assume everyone will want to speak in front of a group.

Awareness activities support conversation and signposting. They do not replace a setting’s safeguarding procedures or professional support. Use the official resources and adapt participation to pupils’ ages, communication preferences and individual circumstances.

For families, carers and workplaces

Families can set aside a calm moment to ask what a child enjoyed, found difficult or wants adults to understand. Let the child choose whether to talk, draw or do an activity together. Keep the conversation open and avoid turning it into a demand for an immediate answer.

A workplace can share the official family resources with parents and carers, make participation optional and signpost existing support. Fundraising can support Place2Be, but donations should not be a condition of joining an awareness activity. Use the charity’s own information for current fundraising arrangements.

Plan a useful week

The mental health lead, SENCO or pastoral team can coordinate with class teachers. Review the materials, identify who will respond to concerns and share a clear message with families before the week. A short activity with a thoughtful response is more useful than a crowded programme without time to listen.

Ask permission before displaying or sharing pupils’ work, and avoid publishing personal disclosures. If a child raises a concern, follow your setting’s established process and help them reach an appropriate trusted adult.

Official resources

Place2Be provides school resources and family and community resources. Use the 2027 materials so an older theme is not carried into this year’s plans. Wider information is available from Place2Be.