Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week – 9–15 February 2026

This week is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, an important annual campaign led by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be to shine a spotlight on children and young people’s mental wellbeing. The theme for 2026 is “This is My Place” — encouraging us all to help children and young people feel a sense of belonging in their friendships, families, schools, and communities.

At CMK Medical Centre, we are proud to support this week of awareness and raise practical support options available locally for families and young people across Milton Keynes and the Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes (BLMK) area.

Local Support in Milton Keynes & BLMK

MK Wellbeing Service – A new local service offering emotional wellbeing support and early intervention for young people aged 7–18, and up to 25 for those with care experience or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes telephone, virtual and in-person support to improve resilience, confidence, stress management and more. https://chums.uk.com/mk-wellbeing-service-live/

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Specialist mental health support for children and young people experiencing a range of difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, behavioural or relationship challenges. Referrals can be made via GP, health professionals, or self-referral where available. https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/…/specialis…/milton-keynes-camhs

Mind BLMK – A local mental health charity working across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes offering wellbeing activities, support groups and drop-in spaces making sure young people don’t have to face mental health struggles alone. https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/milton-keynes/

SHOUT (text support) – A free, 24/7 confidential text support service for young people (and adults) struggling with anxious, lonely or overwhelming feelings — simply text SHOUT to 85258 to be connected with trained volunteers who will listen and help you reach a calmer place.

Immediate crisis support is also available across BLMK via NHS 111 mental health options and local crisis lines if someone is in urgent need of support.

Let’s help every child and young person feel heard, understood, and supported.

You can find lots of free activities, guides and resources for this week at: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk