The Daily Mile is proudly supporting the launch of Children’s Mental Health Week 2024

The Daily Mile is proudly supporting the launch of Children’s Mental Health Week 2024

The Daily Mile is partnering with Place2Be, a leading organisation committed to children’s mental health, for Children’s Mental Health Week. Our joint effort focuses on the importance of providing daily physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing of children.

Research highlights the positive impact of exercise on both mental and physical health. This is particularly vital for children in light of increasing obesity rates and declining mental health, with the percentage of 5-16-year-olds facing mental health issues rising from one in nine in 2017 to one in six in 20201. Evidence also suggests that children who are more active are happier, more resilient, and more trusting of others, but over 50% aged 5-16 are not active enough to enjoy these benefits2.

Together, we aim to make an impact, championing the crucial role that regular physical activity, through activities such as The Daily Mile, plays in supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Daily Mile team recently met with Mrs. Marianne Wheeler, Mental Health Lead at Crabtree Junior School, Hertfordshire, to explore the positive impact The Daily Mile is having on children facing mental health challenges in her school. Marianne highlighted:

“The Daily Mile serves as a crucial outlet. When children are feeling a bit wobbly, particularly those who are neuro divergent and have different learning styles, stepping into the fresh air for a bit of exercise and a change of scenery truly makes a difference. The Daily Mile is a fantastic tool that aids the children in resetting and finding balance, it provides them with an opportunity for a child-friendly social activity, enhancing their overall wellbeing.”

Click here to read more from the Mental Health Lead at Crabtree Infant & Junior School

Join the action in Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 taking place from 5th to 11th February. Empower, equip, and amplify the voices of children and young people across the UK.

Let’s help make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of our future leaders. 

Click here to access Place2Be’s free resources for Children’s Mental Health Week.

References

1. NHS Digital (2020) Mental Health of Children and Young People in England. See page 25.
2. Sport England (2020) Active Lives Adult Survey May 2019/20. See page 25.