YOUNG artists spread the message about positivity and support available during Children’s Mental Health Week.
Charlie and Xavier met with the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, for afternoon tea after being named winners of a competition run by Solihull Council and the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust to design postcards on the theme of wellbeing.
They were also joined by Frances George, one of the trustees from the Trust.
The postcards were sent to every school and college with pupils in key stages 3, 4 and 5 in the borough in time for Children’s Mental Health Week, (February 9 to 15). Charlie and Xavier’s winning designs will help to spread a message of positivity and support to children and young people who might be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
The Mayor sat on the judging panel alongside a representative from Solihull Council’s Children’s Services Education team and Solar, a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Barnardo’s and Autism West Midlands which provides emotional wellbeing and mental health services to children, young people and families in Solihull.
The Mayor said: “I was taken aback by quite how good the standard was. It was really difficult to narrow it down to a shortlist, never mind pick the winners.
“Charlie, Xavier, and Sarah – who sadly couldn’t come to tea, really did stand out though with their incredibly thoughtful and creative designs.
“I hope the children and young people who see these postcards take a moment to think about the powerful message of support that they represent.”
The winners were presented with a framed print of their design, vouchers (provided by Kooth, Solar and the Solihull Safeguarding Children’s Partnership), and a certificate recognising their achievement.
Kooth, one of the voucher sponsors, offers free online mental health support and counselling for 11 to 25‑year‑olds, providing an accessible source of wellbeing support for young people across the borough.
