The Starting Well Service are proud to be supporting Children's Mental Health Week 2025 from 3rd to 9th February. This year’s theme is 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself'.
Know Yourself, Grow YourSelf is about supporting children and young people to explore the importance of self awareness and expressing emotions.
As a 0-19 Service, we support the wellbeing of children, young people and their families; ensuring that children get the best start in life and are safe, happy, healthy, resilient and reaching their potential.
On this page we have collated some useful resources to support you and your family.
YouTube Video by 'BBC Teach'
The first five years of a child's life are important for their life outcomes. Parents are central to helping young children develop the skills to express their emotions and build their self esteem.
Below are some resources with information and advice about how you, as a warm responsive care giver, can support your child:
- UNICEF - Building a happy baby: A guide for parents (pdf)
- Barnados - Promoting good infant mental health (pdf)
- NHS - Bonding with your baby… Becoming a parent (pdf)
- How to Communicate Effectively with your Young Child
- How to help children understand their emotions
- A selection of picture books that can help young children to start to understand mental health and support a healthy mind.
Catch App - CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children’s health.
DadPad - It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
Anna Freud - The Anna Freud website has an area dedicated to understanding common difficulties in the early years of childhood.
Place2Be - Helping your child when they start or change primary school.
YouTube video by 'Anna Freud'
CRISIS LINE - Please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a mental health professional. They will be able to support you to get the help/advice you need. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance.
High School Drop-in for young people to discuss ANYTHING.
ChatHealth (11-19 Years Old) - Text 07312 263260 - One text can make a difference.
Place2Be - Helping your child prepare for Secondary or High School.
Here4You - No young person should ever be alone.
MyMind - Website for anyone interested in the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Cheshire and Wirral
Young Minds has lots of useful information and resources available for young people.
Childline is available for any young people who need support with their mental health.
Shout provides free mental health support to anyone in need. They offer a free text service, and you can text SHOUT to 85258 if you need support.
BookTrust - Books to support mental health awareness for readers under 9
BookTrust - Book to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over.
CRISIS LINE - Please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a mental health professional. They will be able to support you to get the help/advice you need. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ChatHealth - 07312 263156 - Supporting you and your family's wellbeing.
MIND - Parenting and Mental Health.
Here4You - No young person should ever be alone.
Place2Be - Parenting Smart - Practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
ICON - If your infant is crying, remember the ICON acronym:
I – Infant crying is normal
C – Comforting methods can help
O – It’s okay to walk away
N – never, ever shake a baby
If you need some support, speak to a family member, friends, your midwife, GP, or health visitor. You can also visit the ICON website for more information, or our dedicated ICON page.
The Anna Freud website has produced a series of expert podcasts to help parents and carers understand and manage child and family health problems:
Resources for Families - Place2Be