‘Look after yourself’ message to parents and carers ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week

As a parent or carer, when you look after yourself you are looking after your children too.

This is the message from Cornwall Council’s public health team ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week (February 7-13).

Now in its eighth year, the week is organised by children’s mental health charity Place2Be and aims to get schools and families involved in a range of activities. This year’s theme is ‘growing together’.

In its most recent report, the Children’s Commissioner for England highlighted that around one in six children and young people aged 5-19 had a probable mental health disorder, and many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement.

This has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic with children as well as adults having to continually adapt to new ways of living and learning.

Parenting in this climate can be extra challenging which is why there is a wide selection of support specifically designed for parents and carers available through the Council’s website.

This includes links to practical advice and…