During February, Gillibrand proudly took part in Children's Mental Health Week, joining schools across the country in celebrating and supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. This year’s theme, 'This is My Place", focuses on helping children feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to the people, spaces and communities around them.

Throughout the week, all classes at Gillibrand took part in thoughtful discussions exploring what makes them feel part of the Gillibrand community. Pupils shared their ideas about the people who support them, the places where they feel safe and happy, and the values that make Gillibrand special. These conversations encouraged children to reflect on their own experiences and to recognise that everyone’s sense of belonging may look a little different but that every voice matters.

Alongside these discussions, pupils engaged in a range of creative and artistic activities inspired by the idea that Gillibrand is “our place”. Children expressed their thoughts and feelings through artwork, using colour, words and images to represent what belonging means to them. The finished pieces beautifully captured the warmth, diversity and shared identity of our school community.

Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place every February, was launched in 2015 to give children and young people a voice and to raise awareness of the importance of mental health from an early age. The 2026 theme highlights the vital role that schools, families and wider communities play in creating environments where children feel accepted, valued and supported.

At Gillibrand, we believe that a strong sense of belonging is key to positive mental health. By encouraging open conversations, celebrating creativity and fostering supportive relationships, we continue to build a school where every child knows that Gillibrand is their place.

Children's Mental Health week