CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021
Sunday, May 2 – Saturday, May 8
Open Up for Children’s Mental Health!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week -- held every year during the first week of May (National Mental Health Awareness Month) -- is a national campaign that raises awareness and funds to promote better mental health for children.
At The Youth Mental Health Project, we work every day to ensure that families have support to care for and strengthen their children’s mental health – never more so than during this past year as we have seen an explosion in the number of children and families grappling with mental health challenges.
This year, during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we are hosting a week of FREE events and asking everyone to Open Up about children’s mental health, to get talking about -- and funding! -- the needs of children and families struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
YOU CAN HELP!
OPEN UP AND LEARN: Sign up for one of our FREE virtual activities and events happening every day during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and help us promote awareness and raise money to fund mental health support for families.
OPEN UP AND SHARE: Use your social media platforms to shine a spotlight on youth mental health and promote our programs! Follow and Like The Youth Mental Health Project on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tic Tok, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to see our videos. Share our social media posts, and tag us everywhere you post. Help us reduce the unnecessary and outdated stigma around mental illness. @ymhproject #WeAllHaveMentalHealth #LetsTalk #CMHAW21
OPEN UP AND DONATE: We need your help to NOW to support more families! The Youth Mental Health Project provides free support and resources to parents and families whose children are struggling with their mental health… and the need is growing! Make a contribution today -- Even a small gift will help us help more people.
OPEN UP AND FUNDRAISE: Join our fundraising team and multiply your impact! Together we can make an even bigger difference by encouraging others to open up and support children’s mental health. We have all of the tools you need to easily create a personal fundraising page, including email templates and social media posts to help you reach out to your community and ask them to support our efforts. Be bold -- it will save lives!
OPEN UP AND TALK: Spread the word - ALL children have mental health – just like physical health, and it exists on a continuum. COVID has caused a dramatic increase in mental health struggles for children, and we need to acknowledge the enormity of the crisis. Help us get loud about it so we can make a real difference! Use our FREE, downloadable materials to learn more and start a conversation; check out our YouTube videos and learn how to talk about it; or contact us about creating a mental health awareness event in your community. Most of all, ask for help if you or a loved one needs it, and encourage your children to do the same.
Mental health is important at every stage of life,
from early childhood through adulthood.
It’s Time To Open Up!
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021
Calendar of FREE Events
ALL Events will be virtual and LIVE (with the exception of Glitter Jars activity on Sunday).
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION REQUIRED for some events.
Caring For Children's Mental Health
Has Never Been More Essential!
Past Events:
Mental Health Monologues - Watch Here
Join us for powerful performances of Mental Health Monologues, based on TRUE STORIES written by young people who are struggling or have struggled with mental health challenges during childhood or teen years. We know that mental health disorders in children are common, but we rarely hear directly from the children impacted. It's time to Open Up and Listen! Monologues are performed by seasoned actors. Presented by The Youth Mental Health Project.
Glitter Jar - Watch Here
Beautiful to look at and no talent required, Glitter Jars are a great tool for talking about thoughts and feelings with children and can be a helpful way to illustrate how thoughts can swirl in our minds. During this soothing craft activity, we will share coping strategies to use when your mind feels full. Let your creativity come out to play and see how much better you feel!
Ribbon Recharge - Watch Here
Learn the art and joy of Ribbon Dancing with Lauren Moore, a professional musical theater actress. So simple anyone can do it, therapeutic ribbon dancing is a fun way to boost your energy. Appropriate for all ages, it is also a great way to demonstrate to your kids the connection between movement and mood.
Self Care Toolkits with Nyla Rock Vanloo - Watch Here
There isn’t a caregiver around who isn’t worried about how their children are weathering the disruptions caused by COVID-19. During this event, we will explore the acute needs of children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore tools that will help us maintain wellness in our new normal. We will also discuss signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and best practices to support children experiencing anxiety during these uncertain times and beyond. Nyla Rock-Vanloo, LMSW is licensed social worker, trauma-informed psychotherapist and Organizational Development Specialist with the Martha K. Selig Educational Institute at the Jewish Board. Her career spans over ten years in direct human services practice working with communities surviving multiple adversities.
Improving your mindfulness is often one of the best ways to manage your emotional health, which is essential to thriving. During this introductory, interactive workshop, Dr. Risa Ryger — a Clinical Psychologist, national and international speaker, and researcher with over 20 years of experience — will help participants explore the what, why, and how, of mindfulness and will introduce techniques for increased presence so you can learn how to be there for your life.
Live Concert with Singer/Songwriter Jordan Siwek - Watch Here
Multiple award-winner and Broadway veteran Jordan Siwek believes in using the power of music to inspire. His songwriting focuses on turning darkness into light and sharing positive messages of unity and hope. Spend your Friday evening at an exclusive virtual concert with this amazing artist whose heart is as beautiful as his voice and whose music has uplifted thousands.
The Second Annual Musical Theater Cabaret Night! - Watch Here
We are pleased to bring back one of the highlights of last year’s Awareness Week: The Youth Mental Health Project's Musical Theater Cabaret Night. This year's virtual LIVE Cabaret will be performed by current high school students and graduates from the Ethical Culture Fieldston School's Musical Theater Department.
Enjoy a night on the town without ever putting a mask on – and support children's mental health while you’re at it!
Take a picture of your coloring page masterpiece and tag @ymhproject for a chance to win a gift box from Impowered By Me! Contest ends May 31st.
