Children’s Mental Health Week 2025
YLF Celebrates Children's Mental Health Week 2025: ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’
YLF proudly marked this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week from 3rd to 7th February, embracing the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’. Throughout the week, YLF’s mentoring and wellbeing group sessions encouraged young people to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Empowering Through Reflection and Creativity
In a touching display of self-awareness and emotional exploration, YLF’s Thanet Legends Group created a Mental Health Flower, symbolising their emotions and the support systems they rely on. This creative exercise sparked meaningful conversations, allowing young people to articulate and understand their feelings – especially those who might struggle to express them.
Our school Nuture Group in Maidstone concluded their 10-week programme reflecting on their mental health and what they have learnt along the way. They made Positivity Boxes full of affirmations to take away to help remind them in times of struggle, how far they have come in adapting to the transition of primary to secondary school. “This group is definitely helping, especially with my confidence – plus I have only had two days off this term.”
A Journey of Confidence: Lucas’ Story
One of the young people YLF supports, Lucas, exemplifies the power of mentoring.
Initially reserved and speaking only a few words at a time, Lucas gradually found his voice through engaging activities such as walks, Ninja Warrior challenges, and cinema trips.
Now, halfway through his mentoring journey, he radiates confidence and enthusiasm for the future.
Exploring ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’ with our Sittingbourne Groups
YLF’s Sittingbourne Groups took part in a series of engaging activities designed to nurture self-awareness, resilience, and growth.
Junior Sittingbourne Group
- Flower Planting – This hands-on activity encouraged young people to reflect on personal growth by nurturing a plant, exploring themes of care, resilience, and development.
- Positivity Pebbles – The young people decorated pebbles with uplifting messages before placing them in the park to spread joy and kindness to others.
- ‘Glow’ Foods – A fun and educational session on nutrition, where young people learned about ‘Go’ (energy-providing), ‘Grow’ (muscle-building), and ‘Glow’ (vitamin-rich) foods. As part of the session, they received ‘Secret Bags’ containing different Glow Foods to try at home, sparking curiosity and excitement.
Reflection and Feedback:
“Wow, I really wanted to try an avocado and I got one!”
“I got a pepper and I’ve eaten it already!”
“Can I swap my banana for your potato?”
The session concluded with a Group Chat about Children’s Mental Health Week, reinforcing that YLF provides a safe, supportive space for young people to share their thoughts and feelings.
Senior Sittingbourne Group
- U R Awesome – Our senior group completed a reflective activity highlighting their strengths, memories, and personal growth, fostering conversations about self-identity and confidence.
Building Resilience and Wellbeing
Understanding our likes, dislikes, strengths, fears, hopes, and dreams plays a crucial role in self-awareness and resilience. By recognising and expressing emotions, young people gain the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
YLF remains committed to supporting young people through mentoring and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement to grow into their best selves.