Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) is a week in early May dedicated to children’s mental health. The goal is to increase public awareness about children’s mental health; emphasize the importance of family involvement in the children’s mental health movement; and to promote positive mental health, well-being, and social development for all children and youth.
May was dedicated as Mental Health Month in 1949. In 1991, a group of parents decided that the most important project they could undertake was to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding children’s mental health. They formed a coalition of parents, professionals and other stakeholders and created CMHW.
Ring4Hope
Get your community involved in CMHW by sharing the story of the Mental Health Bell Named Hope and plan an event to ring your bells to create awareness and Ring4Hope!
- Event Ideas
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- Workshops for parents, caregivers and providers.
- Regional and local educational conferences.
- Mental Health Fairs.
- Mayor Proclamation Signing.
- Walk/Run.
- Community Block Party.
- Community Picnic.
- Barbecue.
- #Ring4Hope art projects/poster contests.
- #Ring4Hope community bell ringing.
- Craft projects for children to display in local community centers.
- Instagram Contest.
- Book Drive.
- Kite Flying.
- Free Haircuts for children at local community center.
- Ask local community agencies about donating supplies/prizes/etc.
- Activities
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Mental Health Activities for the Classroom (Grades 1-3)
- Tool-Kits
- History
- National and International Children's Mental Health Week
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National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) - Mental Health Awareness Month
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Missouri - Children's Mental Health Week
Mental Health America - Mental Health Month Campaign
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) -
Children's Mental Health Awareness DayPlace2Be (UK) - Children's Mental Health Week