Children’s Mental Health Week 2021 (CMHW) is taking place from 1-7 February and England Netball is supporting this important initiative, along with young members of the Netball Family, through sharing a variety of practical and valuable resources.
CMHW was created by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, whose aim is to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing among children and young people. The theme of the week is ‘Express Yourself.’
From being a de-stressor to teaching individuals how to deal with setbacks, there’s plenty of evidence that taking part in physical activity can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. A survey of England Netball members found that 94% of members agree being involved in netball has made a positive difference to their mood and outlook.
The role of physical activity and sport will be crucial in the nation’s recovery from COVID-19 in 2021, with 500,000 young people needing support for mental health problems since the pandemic began (Youth Sport Trust).
Through one of England Netball’s flagship programmes, Bee Netball, children, families and schools will be able to access a range of creative resources and exciting challenges from sport stars during the week – each centred around one of the programme’s Beeliefs.
Bee Netball supports whole child development and is about friendship, inclusion, fair play – helping develop grit and resilience. It’s not about how good children are, it’s about how hard they try to Bee!
Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball, said: “We’re proud to support Children’s Mental Health Week.
“It’s been a challenging year full of change and uncertainty, and research from the Youth Sport Trust shows the impact that this has had on young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“Supporting children through sport, including tailored programmes such as Bee Netball, can help them feel happier and healthier both physically and emotionally.
“We will continue to be here for the Netball Family throughout the year and look forward to being back out on court together.”
There are six fun Bee@Home challenges on the England Netball website and YouTube, featuring Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby, Tamsin Greenway and Gary Neville, for U11s to practise at home.
A range of creative resources to encourage children (and adults) to share feelings, thoughts and ideas are also available.
Have a go at a new Bee@Home activity each day and keep checking the website for further resources and information throughout the week.
For more information on the week, visit Place2Be’s website.
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