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Celebrating Children's Mental Health Week at My Tribe and Nexus Tribe

This week, from 3rd to 9th February 2025, marks the 11th annual Children's Mental Health Week, an initiative launched by the charity Place2Be to empower and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK. This year's theme, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself", encourages individuals to embrace self-awareness as a foundation for personal growth and resilience. 

At My Junior Tribe and My Teen Tribe, we embraced this theme wholeheartedly, engaging in activities designed to foster self-discovery and emotional well-being among our young members.

Junior Tribe: Growing Our Roots

The Junior Tribe got creative by making trees and discussing the importance of roots: how they shape us and support our growth. Each child expressed their unique perspective. 

  • Marvin made a tree flower, symbolising growth and blooming potential.
     
  • Max crafted a treehouse in a pot plant to represent protecting and nurturing his roots.
     
  • Another child created a large tree where animals could seek shelter, illustrating how growth can also provide for others.

After sharing their artwork, the club engaged in active games, including ball-throwing, piggy-in-the-middle, and a balance challenge involving passing a pillow without using hands. The session ended with a calming activity featuring music, promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

Teen Tribe: Play, Reset, and Stress Management

Meanwhile, at Teen Tribe, members enjoyed their usual favourites, from pool and Rummikub to a high-energy game of Policemen and Robbers. As the afternoon progressed, the group gathered for a reset session, where they explored strategies for managing stress. Together, they brainstormed techniques like:

  • Listening to music
  • Taking a bath
  • Going for a run
  • Using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (engaging the senses to stay present)

The club wrapped up at 6:30pm, by which time we were all feeling both tired and fulfilled.

Nexus Tribe: Learning to Care for Yourself and Others

At Nexus Tribe, which takes place on Wednesdays, we also explored mental health as part of our ongoing commitment to well-being. After some fun icebreaker games to get everyone engaged, we began by reflecting on our personal pathways - our goals and objectives for the future. It was inspiring to see progress: one member has ticked off "learning to cook" after a group cooking session last week, another has reduced their working hours to attend more college classes, while a third has successfully created a CV and is now ready to job hunt.

Following this, we held a session on mental health, using the framework of first aid mental health training. We discussed how to support others in distress, how to recognise when we need help, and where to seek support. We also explored ways to nurture ourselves, such as through music, sports, community, or other positive activities. Our evening ended with a shared dinner and a game, leaving us feeling a little more connected, a little happier, and better equipped to face the week ahead.

Looking Ahead

Children’s Mental Health Week is an important reminder of the importance of emotional well-being, and we are proud to have created a space where our young members could reflect, express themselves, and grow. We look forward to continuing this journey of self-discovery and resilience-building in the weeks to come!

My Tribe takes place in Mint Street Adventure Playground in Borough (SE1 1QP) every Monday in term time. My Junior Tribe (aged 6 to 10) meet from 3:30 to 5:00pm and My Tribe Teens (aged 11 to 18) meet from 3:30 to 6:30pm.  Nexus Tribe meets every Wednesday evening during term time from 7:00-9:30pm at Bethwin Adventure Playground (SE5 0YF).