Supporting the national Children’s Mental Health Week in the classroom

‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ is organised by the charity Place2Be and next week Giles Academy will be highlighting key messages from the campaign, reminding students of the mental health and wellbeing support available from school, and we a currently running a ‘My Safe Space’ House competition.

The theme of the national campaign is ‘This is My Place’ and next week in our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural) lessons for Years 7 to 10, we will be creating space for conversations around mental health and helping young people feel heard and valued. With this theme, we will explore how students have a sense of belonging in school, in the community and their home, so they feel they belong.

The ‘My Safe Space’ House competition encourages students to reflect on wellbeing, belonging and feeling safe. Through art (drawing or digital art), writing (poem or short story) or photography (photography with short description), they can express a place that helps them feel calm and supported. The competition has been designed to focus on reflection and wellbeing, not artistic ability, and selected entries will be celebrated and displayed in school. The closing date for competition entries is Friday 13th February 2026.

We would also like to remind students that if they require any support with their mental health and wellbeing, we are always here to help and there is access to resources on our website. If students have a safety concern they can contact a member of the safeguarding team via worried@gilesacademy.co.uk during term time or in the school holidays. We also have a Student Wellbeing Charter via www.gilesacademy.co.uk/student-wellbeing-charter where there are links to external support as well.