Next week, we will be taking the opportunity to discuss Mental Health Awareness Week throughout school. It takes place from 10th – 16th May and provides a great opportunity for primary schools to normalise the discussion of mental health and wellbeing amongst our children.

The theme for this year’s week is ‘nature’. Recent National Trust research found a link between feeling connected to nature and having improved wellbeing. Children and young people are increasingly spending more time indoors than ever before, with research before the pandemic suggesting that three quarters of young people spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. Research from the Wildlife Trust suggests that children and young people who have the least access to nature also have the worst levels of physical and mental wellbeing.

The Mental Health Foundation has created some top tips for parents to support your child to connect with nature,

• Inspire curiosity
• Turn to books and other resources
• Put technology on hold and get outdoors
• Empower their ideas
• Get creative
• Connect with others and slow down and be mindful.

The full booklet can be found below.