Children’s Mental Health Week: “This Is My Place”

The focus of the week was on helping children develop a strong sense of belonging by nurturing the relationships and communities that support them.

Mrs Newman held a whole-school assembly, bringing pupils together to reflect on what it means to feel safe, valued and included. Through a series of ‘feel-good’ games with their house members, the children experienced first-hand the importance of connection, teamwork and shared identity. Throughout the week, pupils continued these conversations within their form groups and Happy Hub sessions, exploring belonging in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.

In Pre-Prep Happy Hub, a very special visitor helped bring the theme to life. Bob the Minion joined a small group of Year 1 and Year 2 children and bravely shared that he was feeling sad because he didn’t feel that he belonged anywhere. The children responded with empathy and kindness, suggesting ways to help Bob feel included - including giving him a Rupert House lanyard, because being part of a school community, and having friends around you, is an important way to feel that you belong.

The discussion led to a creative activity where the children drew around their hands and filled them with words and pictures representing the people and places that make them feel secure and valued - family, friends, school, rugby club and other activities they cherish. They spoke warmly about feeling lucky to belong to loving families and to be part of the Rupert House community. By naming members of Bob’s family and inviting him to join their activity, they ensured he felt included too. By the end of the session, Bob was much happier, having experienced the power of kindness and belonging.

Year 2 also created “belonging badges” to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week. Each child wrote down something that makes them unique or something that is important to them, proudly sharing what helps shape who they are. The activity was a wonderful reminder that our individual qualities and interests are an important part of what makes our community so special.

Meanwhile, in Year 5 Happy Hub, a small group of children reflected on what they belong to and why it matters. They were encouraged to create personal “belonging maps,” including people, hobbies, places, clubs, and even nature — anything that gives them a sense of connection. Through discussion, the children realised that each map is unique, just as each of them is. They shared how it feels to be part of something — valued, accepted, respected and happy — and highlighted the importance of including others in games and at playtime, recognising that everyone matters.

Year 6 pupils explored the theme in their own reflective way. They created colourful self-portraits and filled them with the activities, places and communities where they feel most at home. Popular mentions included Henley Hockey Club, Henley Swim Club, Vision Gymnastics, Peppard Tennis, drama, history, cheerleading, singing, pets, school, family and friends. Through discussion and creative work, Year 6 also examined the importance of kindness and inclusion, considering how their actions can ensure that no one feels left out — because everyone deserves to feel accepted, cared for and valued.

Children’s Mental Health Week provided a valuable opportunity for pupils of all ages to reflect on the many places where they belong and the role they play in helping others feel the same. It was a week full of warmth, honesty and thoughtful conversation - a reminder that at Rupert House, everyone has a place.