YOUNGSTERS at a primary school in the heart of Oldham have been talking and sharing their feelings and emotions as part of the national Place2Be campaign, which shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Schools, youth groups, organisations and individuals across the UK took part in Children’s Mental Health Week recently. This year’s theme was "Find your Brave".

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes and is different for everyone. Bravery can be about sharing worries and asking for help, trying something new or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

Finding your Brave can build confidence, self-esteem and make children feel good about themselves.

Pupils also thought about how they can promote good mental health within themselves, including spending the afternoon taking part in activities linked to the five ways of wellbeing including; boxing, yoga, colouring, meditation, LEGO.

Throughout the week the children had the opportunity to try something new and meet friends from other classes across the academy.

Claudia Kay, mental health lead at Oasis Academy Clarksfield, said: “It has been an amazing week. It has been great to see and hear the work that the children have been covering.”

“All of our children took part in a competition this week. They designed and created hats that represented their idea of mental wellbeing. They were fantastic. Our Wellbeing Champions had the tricky job of choosing the winners, who all received a special prize – a beautiful mindfulness colouring book.”

“Throughout the week, children were thinking about what ‘bravery’ is and when different characters in stories had to be brave.

“This week has enabled some children to do something they might not have thought they could do. A special thank you to the staff who have made this week possible.”

Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Now in its sixth year, they hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word about mental health in children.

It was not just pupils who took part in the week. Teachers have also been thinking about their own mental health, and all took a break to chat over cake and a cup of tea. It may be Children's Mental Health Week, but it is important for everyone to take care of their mental health.