Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: “This Is My Place”

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 9th to 15th February 2026, and as a youth mental health charity supporting children and young people across the Winchester district, this is a hugely important week for us at Winchester Youth Counselling.

This year’s theme, “This Is My Place”, set by Place2Be, focuses on the importance of belonging and the role that safe, supportive spaces play in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. For many young people, feeling that they have a place where they are accepted, understood, and valued can make a profound difference to how they feel about themselves and the world around them.

For children and young people, a “place” is not just a physical location. It is about how they feel when they are there. A place might be a classroom, a youth group, their home, spending time with friends, or even an online community. What matters most is that it is somewhere they feel safe, listened to, and free to be themselves.

At Winchester Youth Counselling, we see every day how powerful this sense of belonging can be. When young people feel heard and supported, they are better able to explore their thoughts and emotions, build resilience, and develop confidence in who they are. Our counselling rooms, walk and talk sessions, and nature-based therapies are all designed to offer young people a calm, non-judgemental space where they can talk openly and feel supported at their own pace.

Children’s Mental Health Week is also a chance to reflect on the role adults play in creating these safe places. Parents, carers, teachers, and professionals can all help by listening without judgement, validating young people’s feelings, celebrating individuality, and creating environments that are inclusive and welcoming. Small actions, such as taking time to really listen or offering reassurance during difficult moments, can have a lasting impact.

This week encourages us all to think about how we can help children and young people feel that sense of “this is my place”, whether at home, in school, or within the wider community. It is a reminder that supporting mental health is not just about responding when things are difficult, but about building strong, supportive foundations where young people feel they belong.

If you would like to learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week or about the support Winchester Youth Counselling offers to young people aged 11–25, please explore our website or get in touch with our team.

Together, we can help create places where young people feel safe, supported, and understood.