This Is My Place – Where every child is seen, heard and valued. 

This Is My Place

Children’s Mental Health Week begins today, and at The Element Centre we are proud to be taking part in this important national week that shines a spotlight on children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.

This year’s theme, “This Is My Place,” encourages us all to reflect on what belonging truly means — for our children, our young people and the adults who support them.

Throughout the week, we will be exploring this theme through carefully planned activities, shared discussions and meaningful conversations. We will be supporting our children and young people to think about where they feel safe, who they feel connected to, and what helps them feel that they truly belong.

What does “my place” really mean?

A place is not always a physical space.
It can be a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, a family member, a team or a school community.
Sometimes, it is simply the feeling of being accepted and understood.

Knowing that there is a place where they feel safe and that they belong is vital for children’s wellbeing. When children feel secure, valued and connected, they are more able to regulate their emotions, build confidence and engage positively with learning and relationships.

At The Element, our work is rooted in helping children reflect on their experiences, restore their sense of emotional safety, and re-energise their confidence and belief in themselves.

Creating safe places where children belong

Children need to feel that they matter. They need to know they are seen, heard and valued for who they are, and that they can express themselves without fear of judgement.

Creating safe, inclusive spaces where children feel accepted is essential for positive mental health. These environments allow children to explore their identity, share their feelings and develop a strong sense of self.

Building trusted relationships with positive role models is a key part of this. When children feel emotionally safe with the adults around them, they are more likely to be confident, resilient and able to thrive.

As Maria Langan, our Inclusion and Belonging Mentor and RMTi Assessor, explains:

“Belonging is at the heart of emotional wellbeing. When a child knows they are accepted and valued just as they are, it gives them the confidence to be themselves, to take risks in learning, and to feel safe enough to ask for help when they need it.”

Belonging to yourself

An important message within this year’s theme is that belonging also starts from within. Helping children develop a positive sense of self — feeling valued, worthy and accepted — supports emotional resilience and wellbeing.

Belonging to yourself means feeling comfortable in your own skin and recognising that you matter.

By supporting children to reflect on who they are, restore emotional balance, and re-energise their sense of self-belief, we help them build strong foundations for their mental health.

Starting the conversation

During Children’s Mental Health Week, we will be encouraging children and young people to think about:

  • Where do you feel you belong?
  • Who helps you feel safe and supported?
  • What does your place look like?

By opening up these conversations, we help children understand that they are not alone — and that everyone deserves a place where they feel accepted, cared for and valued.

At The Element Centre, we are committed to creating spaces, relationships and experiences where every child can say, with confidence:

This is my place.

For more information and free resources on Children’s Mental Health Week, head to the official website here.

Reflect. Restore. Re-energise.