Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: ‘This Is My Place’
Posted 9th March 2026
At Dixons, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued and able to thrive. As part of Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, we are proud to deliver a programme of assemblies and targeted support sessions centred around this year’s theme: ‘This Is My Place.’
The theme focuses on belonging, and how we can both feel and help others feel that they belong. We know that a strong sense of belonging within our friendships, in school and in our wider communities plays a vital role in mental health and wellbeing. To know our place and truly feel part of our environment is a basic human need. When young people feel that they belong, it empowers them to contribute confidently to the world around them and make a meaningful difference.
To ensure our students receive the highest quality support, we worked in collaboration with Shantona, The Children's Society and We Are Towards. Together, and delivered a variety of whole school and targeted interventions designed to support students with a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
On Monday 9 February, The Children’s Society delivered a series of 15-minute assemblies to all secondary year groups. These sessions focused on recognising emotions, developing emotional regulation strategies and knowing what to do when things go wrong.
Alongside the assemblies, students had access to targeted provision, including:
- Small group work exploring identity, belonging and self-esteem where they made portraits
- Year 11 ‘Glow and Grow’ drop-in sessions delivered by Shantona, supporting students to manage exam stress and build confidence during this important period
These sessions are designed to provide practical strategies while creating safe spaces for reflection and discussion.
On Wednesday 11 February, We Are Towards delivered a targeted session focused on staying safe and building self-resilience. Students explored strategies to strengthen positive self-esteem and develop tools to navigate challenges confidently.
In previous work with young people, the organisation has supported students to reflect on their strengths through creative portrait work, helping them to recognise their value and personal identity.
Children’s Mental Health Week provides a powerful opportunity to reinforce a culture of belonging across our academy. Through assemblies, group work and specialist support, we aim to ensure that every student knows:
This is my place. I belong here.
For more information on the organisations involved:
The Children's Society | UK children's charity