9-15th February 2026 Children’s Mental Health Week
The growing issue of loneliness and disconnection, particularly among young people is a health threat, as clearly stated in the WHO appeal.
From: Loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection (1)
The opposite of loneliness and disconnection seem to be BELONGING, which is also this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week’s theme.
How can belonging be captured? Is it a feeling? Is it a concept?
Studies showed that it is an essential human need (2) because we are wired for social connections and need them to thrive not only mentally but also physically.
A lot has been said on the matter of belonging and its significance, which translates into better outcomes in all spheres of life. Brene Brown (Sociologist, researcher, author of numerous books on leadership, courage, shame and empathy: www.brenebrown.com points out that belonging means being truly oneself, and places it on the opposite to fitting in. Yet fitting in seems to be intrinsic in childhood: children are expected to fit into school rules, expectations, adults’ expectations, peer pressures etc.
We were curious to see this through children’s eyes. So, we thought we would ask children what it meant to them; we visited children of various ages at their places of hobbies, which they say are ‘their places’. Consents from parents as well as the institutions were obtained: (Wormwoods Scrubs Pony Centre and The Rose School of Ballet)
A common thread emerging from the conversations is that belonging is not as much about place as it is about people, the community, friendships, feeling accepted as one is, and included in a common goal/ activity.
It presents itself as a solid measure to counteract the growing loneliness and isolation.
It seems logical to assume that schools could also offer an environment where the sense of belonging has potential to flourish. As part of efforts to better understand how belonging can be fostered in schools, Wandsworth Council’s Schools and Community Psychology Service worked with children and young people with SEND to explore what helps them feel they truly belong. Using accessible discussions, activities and structured tools, children were invited to share their experiences and prioritise what matters most. Their insights were brought together into a “Top Ten Tips” poster titled “School for Everyone: Our Ten Top Tips to Help Us Feel We Belong”—a practical example of how listening to children’s voices can directly inform more inclusive, connected school communities. (3)
Raising awareness of this essential human need, building communities and encouraging, as well as modelling, positive relationship building can be translated into some meaningful actions.
Post by: Ela Augustyniak, MA, AFHEA
Videos Edited by: Shazbah Ahmed, Kendall McBride
References:
- WHO, Loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection ; 30.06.2025 [available at : https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection/report]
- Kids Mental Health Foundation [https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/relationships/belonging-boosts-kids-mental-health#FamilyBelongingBuilder]
- T. Midgen, T. Theodoratou, K. Newbury & M. Leonard, The British Psychological Society; Working with young people to create ‘ten top tips’ to promote a sense of ‘belonging’ to their school [available: https://www.corc.uk.net/media/2856/working-with-young-people-to-create-ten-top-tips-to-promote-a-sense-of-belonging-to-their-school.pdf]