The Emotional Health Hub Community

As we wrap up Children’s Mental Health Week, where we’ve been reflecting on the importance of self-awareness for good mental health, it feels like the perfect time to share a big milestone in our own journey.

Through the DreamLab Residency with MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub, we’ve spent the past few months developing a robust prototype of our interactive emotional health tool, designed to help children tune into their feelings in a way that’s engaging, encourages honesty, and fosters self-reflection.

This phase has been all about exploring how gamification and AI motion capture technology can enhance engagement in emotional health monitoring & support for 6-11 year olds. It’s been a huge learning curve, but we’re delighted with the progress made in creating an empathic, interactive experience that supports children’s emotional wellbeing.

A huge thank you to Anthony Hatton and Pete Woodbridge for their invaluable support, and to everyone who has been part of this journey. It’s been a true team effort, and we’re excited to share a little glimpse of what we’ve created.💙

Place2Be

This is a drawing from one of the children who took part in our recent R&D sessions, sharing their feelings about school and what they need to feel happy there. In the middle of their ‘happy can’ was ‘happy teachers.’ They explained that they don’t like seeing teachers cross, or their teacher’s feelings hurt.

There is so much to explore here, but it is a powerful example that when children get to know their own feelings, they become more attuned to the emotions of others. This is why our work isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s about fostering connection and emotional understanding in the world around them.

We've spent the last few years researching and testing age-appropriate emotional health questions with 5-11 year olds. We've found that children generally enjoy taking time to reflect on their feelings, which enhances their self-awareness and emotional growth.

In line with this year's Children's Mental Health Week theme, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself," we're sharing a simple Classroom Feelings Check-In. This resource encourages pupils to regularly reflect on their feelings, understand them, and notice how these can change throughout the day. Regular check-ins like these can improve self-regulation and support overall emotional wellbeing.

Read about what children will need to successfully implement this in your classroom, and download the resource here: https://lnkd.in/e7AwfVAW

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week. This annual event, led by shines a much-needed spotlight on the importance of children & young people’s mental health.

This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” aligns perfectly with the work we’re doing at The Emotional Health Hub.

Self-awareness is a fundamental part of social-emotional learning. Taking time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can:
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Reduce anxiety, stress and negative thinking
- Foster curiosity and empathy for ourselves and others
- Support healthier friendships and positive connections with others

In our homes, in the classroom, the impact can be significant. Mental health should be high on the agenda every week of the year. However, we hope the spotlight on this topic this week allows those of us supporting children to step back and consider regular, safe, non-judgemental spaces for children to get to know themselves better 💙

This week, some of the stories we carry from the children and young people we work with have been a stark reminder of just how important it is to create spaces where young people feel truly heard, supported and valued. 💛

If this time of year feels like a struggle – whether it’s loneliness, hopelessness, pain, or overwhelm – please know you’re not alone. There are skilled, caring people in these services 24/7 who are ready to support you.

Samaritans (any age): samaritans.org
Shout (any age): giveusashout.org
Childline (under 19yrs): childline.org.uk
Kooth (10-25yrs): kooth.com
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de (under 35yrs): papyrus-uk.org

At The Emotional Health Hub, we advocate for collaboration between the government, schools, governing bodies, and child mental health professionals to ensure children's emotional experiences are given the space they deserve. 🗣️✨ Together, we have the opportunity to genuinely listen to the voices of children, championing a holistic approach to education. Join us in this crucial conversation! "

For non-verbal children, or for those with complex needs, getting their voice heard can be incredibly challenging. The arts can provide a sanctuary and a powerful ally in their self expression, offering children a sense of validation and empowerment. During Place2Be's , let's celebrate the transformative power of creative expression in allowing every child, regardless of their struggles, to feel that their voice matters.

BAAT - The British Association of Art Therapists The British Association of Dramatherapists Music Therapy UK The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK

Over let’s take the time to really consider how we listen and respond to children to ensure they feel heard, understood and respected.

When we listen actively and acknowledge the perspectives of the youngest members of our society, we can create spaces where ideas flourish and genuine connections thrive. This let’s reflect on how well we to the children in our care to enable them to really feel like

Regularly taking children’s views and experiences into account is a great supportive factor for their mental health. Let’s champion participation and empower our children for a brighter future!

Calling all parents, teachers, child therapists and social workers! Let's unite for in emphasizing the importance of listening and fostering an environment where every child feels .