From 5-11 February 2024, Children’s Mental Health Week takes place and West London NHS Trust which provides support and help with mental health to residents across the borough is promoting what it offers to young people.
This year’s theme for the week is ‘My voice matters’ with the aim to help empower children and young people to share their mental health experiences.
According to the Trust: “Listening to their stories in their own words will help us all in connecting with other children and young people. This will help us better understand their emotions and, most importantly, encourage them to come forward and seek help.”
West London Trust clinical director for children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), Dr Johan Redelinghuys said: “In recent years if we have learnt anything, it is that children and young people benefit from having the chance to talk about things that are important to them. To recognise the value their voices have, it is equally crucial we listen to them and establish opportunities and environments for them to express themselves freely.”
Dr Redelinghuys added: “The theme of “My Voice Matters” enables us all to help create and maintain meaningful conversations. The earlier and more frequently these take place with children and young people, the greater the chance of a positive outcome.”
To find out more about the work the Trust does for young people and its events taking place during Children’s Mental Health Week, click here.