This Children’s Mental Health Week (9th-15th February), I am taking a look at the core aspects of a child’s life that are important from a mental health perspective and offer advice on how families can help improve their children’s health and wellbeing.

A new year often brings about new reflections and new ambitions, whether it's rekindling old friendships, beginning a new hobby, learning a language or setting off on an adventure to a distant land. Many of us use the first few months of a new year to make plans for ourselves or for our families.

In 2026 more couples who are divorcing and separating are expected to choose non-confrontational ways to legally end their relationship and put their children’s best interests first.

A new maternal wellbeing support group is launching in Thirsk on Thursday 08th January 2026, marking the first community-based session delivered by Brighter Skies, the Yorkshire-based campaign founded by local parents Stef Scurr and Andrew Dunn. The group, which will run from 9am–11am at Thirsk Community Primary School in partnership with Giggle & Grow Tots group provided by Community Works.

My son Dylan was born via emergency caesarean section on 28 July 2025, but he wasn’t crying properly when he was born. He sneezed and cried a bit before going silent. That’s when I knew something wasn’t quite right. As they finished my surgery other doctors were attending to Dylan. They then informed us that he was struggling either due to an infection or a heart condition.

Yorkshire children’s cancer charity Candlelighters is showcasing the role of outreach play specialists, within the broad range of services it offers to the families of children with cancer. Emily Wragg, Candlelighters’ CEO explains: “We’re proud to fund two NHS outreach play specialists based at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

In the UK, more than 35,000 deaths are attributed to cold-related illnesses each year, this is equivalent to more than 96 preventable deaths per day. For older people, freezing temperatures and cold weather present significant risks, especially amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Candlelighters, the children’s cancer charity, is holding their Big Give Christmas campaign, from midday Tuesday, December 2nd to midday Tuesday, December 9th, when donations will be matched by pledges from generous organisations. The charity is hoping to raise £40,000 in online donations in seven days, which will be matched to achieve a target of £80,000.

Yorkshire charity Martin House Children’s Hospice is calling for support as it plans to make this Christmas unforgettable for families in its care. Every year the hospice supports over 500 children and young people with complex and life-shortening conditions – and every year it knows for some families this may be the last Christmas they have with their child.

Madison Lord, 11, a Forget Me Not fundraiser from Brighouse joined Children in Need presenters Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu in the BBC studio for a special evening of fundraising.