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Children’s Mental Health Week inspires care, confidence and connection across Star schools
Pupils across Star Academies marked Children’s Mental Health Week – the annual awareness campaign led by children’s mental health charity Place2Be – with a range of thoughtful and uplifting activities designed to promote wellbeing, kindness and a strong sense of belonging.
Celebrated every February since its launch in 2015, Children’s Mental Health Week exists to empower, equip and give a voice to children and young people across the UK. This year’s awareness week took place from 9-15 February and centred on the theme This is My Place, focusing on helping young people feel safe, supported and connected within the communities around them. Across Star’s network of schools, pupils explored what belonging means through assemblies, creative projects, acts of kindness and fundraising, joining a national conversation while shaping activities to reflect their own school communities.
Activity across the week included a focus on wellbeing at Small Heath Leadership Academy, where Senior Vice Principal Richard Wilshaw led a Year 7 assembly focusing on mental health, decision making and wellbeing. Pupils were invited to reflect on the importance of caring for their mental health by writing personal pledges and adding their thumbprints to a growing Pledge Tree, with each mark representing a commitment to support their own wellbeing and that of others. Year 11 pupils also took part in a spirited ‘Beat the Boss’ penalty shootout, stepping up to challenge Head of Year Mr Ahmed in an event that combined confidence, competition and good humour. Together, these activities reinforced the message that small, personal actions – and shared moments of connection and community – can have a lasting impact.
At The Valley Leadership Academy, pupil leaders designed special tutor sessions to help their peers better understand mental health and how to support both themselves and others. The school also highlighted the everyday acts of kindness already embedded in its culture, from ensuring every child receives a birthday card to the Valley Volunteers decorating the school’s ‘Be Hopeful’ tree. These long-standing initiatives, celebrated as part of the week, linked directly to the theme by reminding pupils that they belong to a community where care and connection are part of daily culture. A similar spirit of reflection shaped activities at Star King Solomon Academy, where Pastor Doreen led a morning gathering centred on kindness. The session offered pupils a calm, purposeful and reassuring start to the day, reinforcing the importance of compassion and meaningful mutual support within the school community.
Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Manchester took part in an interactive assembly led by Mind of the Student (MOTS), which included games, discussions, and opportunities for pupils to share their thoughts and experiences. The activities helped pupils build confidence in talking about mental health while encouraging them to explore practical ways to look after their own wellbeing and support others, creating a positive, school-wide conversation promoting confidence.
Creative expression was central to activities at Highfield Leadership Academy, where pupils explored the theme This is My Place through colour-based artwork and reflective discussions. Highlighting the importance of speaking to trusted adults in school when worries arise, activities encouraged open, honest conversations about mental health and strengthened pupils’ confidence to ask for help. Building on this spirit of personal reflection and inspiration, at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy Children’s Mental Health Week concluded with a special visit from musical artist Joel Foster, who performed for pupils in Years 7, 8, and 9. He shared his personal journey, delivered messages of positivity and perseverance, and offered practical tips for overcoming challenges. Through his music and stories, pupils were inspired to reflect on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of looking after their own mental health.
Fundraising efforts at Eden Boys’ School, Bolton added a charitable focus to the celebrations, with pupils organising a bake sale that raised funds to support Place2Be’s work. Meanwhile, at The Olive School, Manchester, pupils took part in energetic sessions led by Premier Education, highlighting the positive connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing.
At Bay Leadership Academy, pupils engaged with dedicated displays and wellbeing resources that provided practical guidance and signposting, creating welcoming, visible spaces for reflection and reassuring conversation throughout the week. The activities encouraged pupils to think about their own mental health, share ideas with peers, and explore ways to support one another, reinforcing a culture of care and connection within the school community.
Children’s Mental Health Week forms part of Star’s wider commitment to supporting pupils’ personal development and emotional wellbeing. Through shared experiences like these, Star schools continue to foster environments where every child feels seen, supported and self-assured — and that their wellbeing matters.
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 16th Feb 2026 | Posted In: Latest News