This week is Children's Mental Health Week, shining a spotlight on the importance of children's and young people's mental health.

The theme for this year's campaign is 'Let's Connect' and Dorset Mind is sharing the importance of talking and connecting, evident through feedback from young participants, who've accessed mental health support through the charity's children's and young people's service, Dorset Mind Your Head.

The long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 on young people's mental health cannot go ignored; 83% of young people with mental health needs agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse.

During one-to-one and group support sessions, Dorset Mind Your Head, speaks with young people about the importance of connecting with others as part of their 5 Ways to Wellbeing – being active, taking notice, giving, keep learning and connecting.

Through group activity, young people are developing the social skills to aid them later in life and support their mental health.

In addition, one-to-one counselling support with a trained practitioner enables a safe space to discuss difficult feelings and emotions they may be experiencing.

In 2022, 18% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder. It's widely acknowledged that most young people do not get the treatment they need.

In 2022, Dorset Mind Your Head reached a total of 2,661 children and young people, connecting in schools, online and in their local community.

Christine Bridger, counselling and eellbeing check-in team Leader, said: "By listening, we can truly learn from a child or young person. The key is keeping the focus, on their agenda, so that we can make a true connection. Being able to trust someone, is the key to connection, only then can we talk about our worries and concerns."

Young participants who've accessed support through Dorset Mind Your Head share how talking has helped support their well-being:

"I didn't know how much I needed help, focus and guidance until I started the sessions. My practitioner helped me to look at various things in different ways". – Active Monitoring Participant, 2022

"Being able to chat about feelings with someone who is there to listen has really helped. I can open up about things that I might not have discussed with anyone else". – Wellbeing Check-in Participant, 2022

Dr Andy Mayers, patron for Dorset Mind, said: "The sooner we encourage young people to talk about their emotions and feelings, the quicker can we find the support they need. These services can help provide toolkits for life."

This Children's Mental Health Week, Dorset Mind has paired up with Better Health Dorset, Dorset Youth and other local organisations in a collaborative campaign, 'R U OK', signposting young people to local and national support services.

If you think your child needs professional support, speak to their GP and school, and consider one-to-one or group support.

Mental Health Support helplines for Young People:

• Samaritans (24/7), emotional support, and a listening ear: 116 123
• Connection (24/7), Dorset helpline for those experiencing mental health issues: 0800 652 0190
• Kooth, an online mental healthcare service run by the NHS: Kooth.com
• Papyrus, a support line for young people under 35 who are feeling suicidal. Open every day 9 am-midnight 365 days a year.
• The Mix provides information and support for those under 25s. Get advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money, and jobs. Open 7 days a week from 4 pm to 11 pm. Call: 0808 808 4994
• Young Minds (24/7), a text messaging service for those needing support with their mental health. Text 'YM' to 85258
• Dorset Mind's children and young person support for 11-25yr olds: https://dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/young-people/

If you'd like to donate to Dorset Mind, visit bit.ly/DonatetoDM