Staff, children and young people at The Ridings on Kirkleatham Business Park, have been expressing themselves by painting colourful drawings and positive messages on rocks and pebbles while in the waiting area.
Inspired by the nearby coastline, this wellbeing activity is helping to spread positivity among visitors for this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week. A rock garden has also been created at the side of the building to display the impressive creations to passers-by.
The Redcar CAMHS team, based at The Ridings, is part of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Amy Pierce, CAMHS clinician, said:
“Rock painting is a great way for our children and young people to take part in a mindful activity and express their feelings in a creative and positive way.
“Along with the artistic fun we’ve had, we’ve also been able to celebrate and raise awareness of Children’s Mental Health Week.”
Other activities at The Ridings included a dress to express day on Wednesday to celebrate self-expression and show how people feel, and writing poems, messages and quotes.
Children’s Mental Health Week, launched by children’s mental health charity Place2Be in 2015, runs from 5 to 11 February. Now in its 10th year, this year’s theme is “My Voice Matters”. It aims to empower children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
