This year’s for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 (9th–15th February) the theme ‘This is my place’ centres around helping children and young people feel that they belong and have a safe space where they can be themselves.
We know that having these conversations can be tricky, and getting your children and young people to open up can be challenging. We want to support parents and carers by providing some simple, open-ended conversation prompts to help you explore how your child is feeling and where they feel comfortable, happy, and included.
While the idea of belonging is something we all recognise as important, the reality is that many children and young people struggle to feel this way in their everyday lives. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 2019) reports that one in three students worldwide do not feel a sense of belonging at school, and worrying still, these figures have continued to rise. For many young people, this can mean feeling unseen, disconnected, or unsure where they fit in - feelings that can have a lasting impact on their confidence, wellbeing, and mental health.
These statistics highlight why creating safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people feel heard, valued, and accepted is more important than ever. A strong sense of belonging can act as a protective factor, helping young people build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and feel confident being themselves.
At Northampton Saints Foundation, we are committed to creating a holistic, inclusive environment where every child and young person feels a genuine sense of belonging. We believe that wellbeing is shaped not just by what happens in the classroom or on the pitch, but by emotional, social, and mental health support working together.
We support children and young people to feel safe, valued, and understood by taking time to listen and respond to their individual needs. Tools such as student passports help us understand how they are feeling, what supports them best, and how they experience the world around them.
Through one-to-one conversations, group work, and access to youth counselling, we provide multiple opportunities for children and young people to express themselves. We recognise that talking is a vital part of wellbeing, but it isn’t always easy, so we also encourage creative and non-verbal ways of communicating when needed.
By building trusted relationships and providing consistent, compassionate support, we aim to ensure that everyone who engages with the Foundation feels supported, connected, and confident to say: this is my place.
The prompts are designed to be gentle and supportive, encouraging children to reflect on their feelings, sense of belonging, and confidence without pressure.
It’s important to ask one or two questions at a time to avoid overwhelming your child, and to listen actively and validate their feelings without rushing to offer solutions.
Encourage children to draw, write, or act out their answers if talking is difficult, and try to make these conversations a regular habit, not just something you do during Children’s Mental Health Week.
Conversation starters about belonging
Can you tell me about a place where you feel really safe and happy?
Who makes you feel like you belong?
What does a place feel like where you can be yourself?
Is there a place where you feel invisible or uncomfortable? How could it feel better?
What helps you feel included when you’re at school, clubs, or with friends?
Exploring feelings and mental health
How are you feeling today? Can you describe it in one word?
What’s one thing that made you smile this week?
Is there something that made you feel worried or sad recently? How did you handle it?
When you feel upset, what or who helps you feel better?
What do you do when you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
Understanding confidence and strengths
What’s something you’re proud of yourself for this week?
What’s something you enjoy doing that makes you feel strong or happy?
If you could teach someone one thing about you, what would it be?
What’s a new thing you’d like to try this year?
Who inspires you, and why?
Fun/creative prompts
Draw or describe your ‘happy place’, what does it look like?
If your room, school, or club could be the perfect place for you, what would it include?
Imagine you could create a safe space anywhere - what would it feel like?
Write or tell a story about a day where everything goes perfectly - what happens?
What song, game, or activity makes you feel like you belong?