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April Newsletter 2024

(Please don’t put children in ovens!)...

Subtle and Online Bullying

Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects children in various settings, but it can happen at home and online. While much attention is rightfully given to overt forms of bullying, such as physical aggression or verbal abuse, it's crucial to recognise and address subtler forms of bullying that can occur within families or the digital realm. In this blog, we'll explore different aspects of bullying, including 'micro' bullying at home and online bullying, offering insights and strategies for parent...

Navigating Avoidance at Home: Understanding and Supporting Your Child

As a parent or carer, it's not uncommon to encounter moments when your child withdraws into silence, leaving you feeling worried and uncertain about how to help. When a child goes silent and avoids communication, it can be a sign of underlying emotional distress or discomfort. In this blog, we'll explore why avoidance happens, when it tends to occur, and most importantly, how you can support your child and work together to improve engagement and communication. Why Can Avoidance Happen?Avoid...

March Newsletter

This month we are focusing on the importance of reading, navigating Avoidance at Home  Understanding and Supporting Your Child and the important of fostering positive body imagine for children after recently acknowledging Eating Disorder week.We’re now in March, having experienced a notably mild spring and lighter mornings have been setting in. But on Sunday, 31 Mar 2024 it changes again as it will be daylight saving time, and the day-light lasts longer again in the evenings. Even sooner ...

Nurturing Positive Body Image

In today's society, young people are bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards and pressures to conform to certain visual ideals, leading to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.Reading on we'll explore the potential causes of low self-esteem with body image and provide practical ways to support and counter these negative influences. Additionally, we'll consider dialogue to avoid and positive affirmations to promote healthy body image in teens.Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to admit it’s...

The Power of Reading

Reading has the remarkable ability to transport us to different worlds, spark our imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Whether it's a bedtime story or a captivating novel, the benefits of reading extend far beyond the pages of a book. In this blog, we'll explore the numerous advantages of reading to your child and for yourself. From cognitive development to emotional bonding, let's delve into the transformative power of reading and discover creative ways to make it a cherished pa...

Shining a Light on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Shining a Light on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)...

Empowering Young Voices | The Water Bottle Story | COMPETITION TIME!

Children's Mental Health Week, taking place from February 5th to February 11th, 2024, serves as a crucial opportunity to shed light on the significance of children and young people's mental well-being. The central message for Children's Mental Health Week 2024 is "My Voice Matters." Promoting engagement with children to help them express themselves.This year's theme is particularly poignant as it revolves around empowering children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to collaborate in creati...

BOOKMARK COMPETITION

Since providing well over 60000 Bookmarks locally to schools and children’s services. TMH have decided it’s time to add a new addition. And as we did before, we would love some input from the people they are intended for. The winning design will receive a £50 Voucher to a store of their Choice!INFORMATION AND BOOMARK DESIGN TEMPLATE FOR YOUR ENTRY IS AVAILABLE BELOW OR BY EMAIL UPON REQUEST  This is a great activity in for the upcoming half-term or a fun thing to do as part o...

Monthly Newsletter: January 2024

“It’s that stupid carrots fault”“It’s your fault!”“It’s not my fault!”“Teddy did it, not me!”“Why am I being blamed?”“If this hadn’t happened, then I wouldn’t have done it!”The list could easily go on.Blame can easily create or exacerbate situations of conflict and difficulty. It’s easy for many adults to fall into blame, and children will equally resort to blaming others or something (like a teddy) for whatever is distressing them. But why do we do it when bl...

Mid December Newsletter

As the new year begins, many young people may feel a mix of emotions. While some may feel excited and optimistic about the fresh start, others may experience anxiety or uncertainty about what the new year will bring. The impact of waking up to the new year can have a significant effect on a young person's mental health.For some young people, the new year represents a chance to make positive changes in their lives. They may set resolutions or goals, such as improving their grades, getting in shap...

December Newsletter

Disabled people often face a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and stress. These challenges can stem from a variety of factors, including social isolation, financial stress, and physical limitations. Unfortunately, many disabled individuals struggle to access mental health resources due to a lack of available services, financial constraints, and societal stigmatisation.In this blog post, we will explore the mental health challenges that disabled individuals face a...

November Update

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually during the darker autumn and winter months. It's often referred to as a winter depression, and its symptoms can significantly impact an individual's mood and overall well-being.What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?SAD shares similarities with general depressive disorders, but its onset is seasonal. Common symptoms include persistent low mood, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrati...

November Newsletter 2023

Stress is a natural and inevitable part of life. It is the body's response to external and internal pressures, and in small doses, it can actually be beneficial. However, when stress becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can have a significant impact on our mental health.Here are some of the ways that stress can affect our mental health:1. Anxiety and depression: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression. When we are constantly in a state of stress, it can lead to ...

October Newsletter 2023

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and stigmatised. World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, aims to raise awareness about mental health and promote advocacy against the social stigma surrounding mental illness. This year's theme is "Mental Health in an Unequal World."Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave and is crucial to our daily functioni...

Mid-September Newsletter 2023

The transition back to school after a break can be challenging for children and young adults. Whether they're transitioning from a long summer holiday or adapting to a new school year, the return to school can bring about various emotions and difficulties. In this blog, we'll explore some helpful hints and tips for parents to support their children during this transition, as well as address separation anxiety for younger ages.Tips for Parents & Carers:Open Communication: Start by having open...

Bullying: How Kids and Teens Can Make a Difference

Bullying is an issue that affects many kids and teenagers, whether they encounter it at school, online, or even at home. But it's essential to remember that you don't have to face bullying alone; there are actions you can take to stand up against it and make a positive change. In this blog, we'll explore what bullying looks like in various settings and share empowering strategies for children and teenagers to combat it.Understanding Bullying:Bullying at School:School is a place where kids spend ...

Why Some Children and Teenagers Might Bully Others: A Compassionate Perspective

Bullying is a complex issue, and it's crucial to approach it with empathy and understanding, even when discussing the motivations behind why some children and teenagers engage in bullying behaviour. While there is no justification for bullying, it's essential to recognise that bullies may be struggling with their own challenges and emotions. Here are some reasons why some individuals might resort to bullying:...

Forms of Self-Harm & Understanding

As parents, our children's well-being is our top priority. While it's natural to think of self-harm as physical harm, it's crucial to recognise that it can manifest in various forms and affect children of all ages. Understanding these different expressions of self-harm is essential to providing the support and care our children may need....

Navigating Nervousness

As part of our Mental Health Bookmarks for Schools campaign, we recognize that worry and nervousness are common emotions that children and teenagers might be experiencing, especially during times of change like returning to school. Nervousness is a natural response to new situations and challenges, but understanding and managing this emotion is key to promoting positive mental health.Embracing nervousness as a part of our mental health campaign, let's create an environment where children and tee...

Understanding Intrusive Thoughts in Children and Adults:

These thoughts can be distressing and unsettling, often leading to worry and confusion. In this blog, we will delve into what intrusive thoughts are, with a focus on children and adults, aiming to shed light on this complex mental process.What Are Intrusive Thoughts?Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome and involuntary thoughts, images, or ideas that pop up in our minds, often causing distress, anxiety, or unease. They can range from harmless passing thoughts to disturbing or even violent ones, thing...

And Breathe

Breathing techniques when shared and understood in calm moments, can be a helpful resource to avoid getting in higher or more intense moments of anxiety later.Try these with yourself or your child and see what works for you. It's not for everyone, but it can actually help in the moment;Diaphragmatic Breathing (Deep Breathing):Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand fully. Feel your abdomen rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly and completely through your ...

Mid-August Newsletter - Anxiety

For the next 6 weeks, we are celebrating our mental health bookmarks for children!Why? We have distributed over 60,000 of the bookmarks for free in and around Suffolk to schools and children’s organisations, and still continuing to do so!For the next 6 weeks, each week we will celebrate one of the bookmarks sharing blogs, information, tips and more on the topic it aims to support with on our social media.Please like/follow us to see what we share and post on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We...

Understanding and Managing Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety, a common human emotion, is our body's response to uncertainty, change, or potential threats. It can range from mild unease to overwhelming distress. In this guide tailored for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children and adolescents, we delve into the multifaceted world of childhood anxiety. By unravelling its complexities, we aim to empower you to provide effective support and guidance to the young minds you care for....

August Newsletter 2023

I don’t think there are many of us over the age of 30 who don’t wish we were younger? However also when asked most of us would also not like to go back to being a teenager again. Being a young person in today’s society comes with its own set of challenges and joys.On one hand, young people have access to more opportunities and resources than ever before, such as technology, education, and diverse career paths. However, on the other hand, young people also face unique challenges such as men...