Mental health focus for Children in Need

The build up to the annual Children in Need event is fully underway, with fundraising activities and initiatives taking place across the country.

Leeds City College’s Childhood and Education department is focusing this year’s efforts on children and young people’s mental health, which has been significantly affected by the pandemic.

Emma Langford, Interim Head of Childhood and Education and Lindsey Whitton, Student Enrichment Officer, have been planning activities for this year’s event.

“The latest Children in Need survey shows that children and young people across the UK are facing short, medium and long term impacts on their mental health and emotional wellbeing as a result of the pandemic. 

“We can all play a role in addressing early signs of worry and anxiety by showing young people that we’re here to support them. 

“Across Quarry Hill Campus on 19 November, we will be setting up a mental health table in reception areas which will have affirmation cards, stress balls, leaflets, worry notes and mental health booklets with information on college guidance, support services, self-help tips and safeguarding details.

“We’ll be encouraging staff to raise awareness of Children in Need during tutorials, and will be selling Pudsey biscuits and buns across campus to raise money. We hope all of our efforts will help build a student’s resilience and give them confidence to complete their qualifications.”

Learn how you can support Children in Need here.