This week (9–15 February) marks Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, organised by Place2Be. The theme — This is My Place — focuses on belonging: in friendships, at school, and within communities.
It is a theme that resonates with what we see in clinical practice at Oxford Brain and Mind. A child’s sense of belonging is not simply a comfort — it is a protective factor with measurable effects on mental health, education, and long-term wellbeing.
The Scale of the Challenge
NHS Digital’s 2023 survey found that one in five children aged 8 to 16 in England now has a probable mental health disorder, up from one in nine in 2017. In 2024–25, over one million under-18s were in contact with secondary NHS mental health services — more than double the figure from 2020. This leads to increased localised pressure and a long waiting list. We believe that increased provisions for mental health support in children is crucially important to scaffold their developmental needs.
What Parents Can Watch For
Mental health difficulties in children do not always present in obvious ways. Signs worth paying attention to include persistent school reluctance, withdrawal from friendships or activities, increased irritability or sleep difficulties, unexplained physical complaints, and a noticeable drop in concentration or academic performance.
If these difficulties are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily life, seeking professional advice early consistently leads to better outcomes.
Getting Support
At Oxford Brain and Mind, our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service — led by Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Mamas Pipis — works with children aged 5 to 18 presenting with anxiety, low mood, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and the effects of trauma. We accept self-referrals alongside referrals from GPs, schools, and local authorities, and our assessments follow NICE guidelines.
To discuss a referral or ask a question, contact us at connect@oxbam.co.uk or call 07922 744 469.
For urgent mental health support, contact NHS crisis services on 111 or dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to safety.
