‘You don’t have to be the same as everyone else to belong’

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is all about how a sense of belonging is important for feeling happy and healthy. We asked young people who are part of our Involvement Bank what they’d say to other children about belonging. Here’s what they wanted to share…

• “There are more people out there who care about you. You just need to find the ones you can trust.”
• “More people have issues with their mental health than you think. Most people just don’t show it. We should normalise talking about mental health. It isn’t un-manly to talk about your mental struggles. You should feel safe to open up to the people you care about.”
• “I’ve found a sense of belonging in my hobbies. Reading, listening to metal music, and collecting Monster High dolls have all been special ways for me to express myself and connect with what makes me unique.”
• “Through my friends, I’ve found a group where I feel understood and accepted. We support each other, celebrate our differences, and are always there for one another.”
• “Remember: you don’t have to be the same as everyone else to belong. Whether you find comfort in a book, joy in a song, pride in a collection, or warmth in a friendship, you matter. Your interests, your feelings, and your dreams all have a place in this world.”
• “You are never alone. There is always room for you, sometimes you just need to find it.”