Training specialists highlight the importance of inclusion, identity and community as part of national ‘This is My Place’ campaign
AS CHILDERN`S Mental Health Week runs from February 9–15, education experts are calling on schools and families across Pembrokeshire to focus on one simple but powerful message: every child deserves to feel they belong.
This year’s national theme, ‘This is My Place’, highlights the importance of children and young people feeling accepted, cared for and valued in their communities. Leading e-learning and training provider High Speed Training has shared practical advice for parents and teachers on how to create inclusive environments where children feel safe to be themselves.
For many young people, school is the centre of their social world. When that environment is welcoming and inclusive, children are more likely to thrive, build confidence, and form healthy relationships. But when a sense of belonging is missing, experts warn it can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and low self-worth.
Dr Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, said fostering belonging is essential for both education and wellbeing.
“Fostering a sense of belonging is integral to helping a child feel positively about school, their peers and, more importantly, themselves. A true sense of belonging must be accompanied by acceptance for who someone is, rather than who they are pretending to be.
“When children feel they have to ‘fit in’ by changing themselves, it can have an incredibly detrimental impact on their mental health. By creating environments where children feel safe to be their authentic selves, we instil an appreciation for community that stays with them for a lifetime.”
What does ‘belonging’ really mean?
A sense of belonging in school means feeling like a valued and accepted part of the school community. Children who experience this are more confident in their place within school life and feel supported to express who they truly are.
Experts stress the difference between belonging and fitting in. Fitting in often means changing behaviour or identity to gain acceptance, while true belonging allows children to be themselves without fear of rejection.
Research shows that children with a strong sense of belonging are more likely to feel motivated and confident, build healthier friendships, develop emotional resilience, and experience lower levels of loneliness and anxiety.
Practical steps for schools and families
High Speed Training has shared a series of simple, practical ideas that schools and parents can use to help children feel included and connected. These include using inclusive games and group activities to encourage teamwork and trust, promoting extracurricular activities such as sports teams, choirs and clubs to help pupils build friendships beyond the classroom, and introducing simple “bridge-building” activities where children can share hobbies and interests to find common ground.
The organisation also highlights the importance of education and awareness, helping children to understand their emotions and recognise the role of community in supporting mental wellbeing. Collaborative fundraising activities, where pupils are involved in choosing charities and organising events, are also seen as a powerful way of bringing school communities together around a shared purpose.
As schools across Pembrokeshire continue to prioritise wellbeing alongside education, Children’s Mental Health Week serves as a timely reminder that small actions can make a big difference.
Creating safe, inclusive spaces where children feel accepted does not just improve mental health – it helps young people grow into confident, resilient members of their communities.
For further guidance and resources, visit the High Speed Training Hub or read their full article, Creating a Sense of Belonging in School.
