Categories
Child Welfare Child and Parental Wellbeing

World Mental Health Day – supporting foster children

Last week, the 10th October played host to World Mental Health Day, which seeks to raise awareness of mental health and maintaining it.

Mental health is important to people from all walks of life, and children in foster care are no different. Fostering agencies like Beacon Fostering are aware of the unique challenges that these young people experience, so here are some ways to support World Mental Health Day and promote positive mental wellbeing.

Everyday life

World Mental Health Day strives to break down stigmas of mental health, yet raising awareness and supporting those who experience challenges is a year-round activity.

Talk with your foster child about how they are feeling and listen to them if they are struggling. Activities such as mediation, exercise and routine, as well as support groups that your fostering agency offers, will help both yourself and your foster child.

Supporting charities

You can either donate to charities specialising in mental health, such as Mind, the Mental Health Foundation or Young Minds, or support them through fundraising and buying merchandise like pins and badges.

If you have a mental health story of your own, you can submit it to Mind’s website, or you (or your foster child, if they are old enough) could volunteer for any of these charities, or others in a variety of capacities. Whether it’s helping out in a charity shop or other commitment, there’ll be something to suit your skills and interests.

Other organisations in the North West

If you are based in the North West of England, Mind has facilities in Chorley, while 42nd Street, aimed at young people, is based in Greater Manchester.