Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event that was created by Place2BE in 2015 with the aim of empowering, equipping and giving a voice to all children and young people in the UK.
The official theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is ‘This is My Place,’ with the event focusing on the importance of a child’s sense of belonging as individuals, within their friendship groups, in schools and communities.
‘This is My Place’ aims to place value on the groups and systems surrounding children and young people, where they feel they belong. ‘Belonging’ is both a key theme of Children’s Mental Health Week and something that we hope all CCF cadets feel within their contingents.
The CCF is committed to helping and improving the mental health of children and young people. You are seen, you are heard and your voice and feelings matter.
Remember help is on hand whenever you need it. As a CCF cadet, you have access to Kooth, which is a free, anonymous and safe mental health support service for young people. For more information, please click here.
Where We Belong
We met with CCF cadets from schools across the UK to find out what belonging means to them, and how the CCF helps them to find their place. We share their moving stories below.
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater College is a CCF Army contingent with a small, tight knit group of cadets. Forming friendships, being part of a team and being supportive of one another are just some of the things that these cadets say make them feel like they belong:
“I first felt like I belonged when I was given my uniform – being accepted by my CCF peers made me feel a part of something. I felt like CCF was where I was meant to be when I started enjoying myself here and having fun. I have formed friendships and I have become more active since becoming a CCF cadet. Belonging is important to me – the friendships I have here are different to anywhere else and I first felt like this on a CCF weekend residential, where I did a lot of outdoor activities. Being a CCF cadet has changed how I feel about myself and it makes me feel important every day. When I’m having a tough week, the CCF helps because everyone is kind and supportive and makes me laugh so much! I feel like I can be myself here, and I would say if you’re thinking about joining then give it a try!”
- Cadet Richard, Bridgewater College CCF Army
Stowe School
Cadets from Stowe School CCF provide their thoughts on what makes them feel like they belong and how belonging makes them feel accepted valued and a part of team with people you trust and can rely on.
“I have been a cadet for over three years now, with our school’s CCF Army section and I have recently been promoted to Colour Sergeant! My older sister inspired me to join and often spoke about how much fun it was, so I decided to give it a go myself.
I was so nervous to go to my first CCF session but after an inspiring introductory talk, it made me realise that the CCF was something I wanted to be a part of. I was so worried about not fitting in but everyone there made me realise that it didn’t matter if you mess up as long as you are trying your best.
I started to feel like I was belonging more when during my very first year, I was asked if I had ever considered becoming Head Cadet. I hadn’t even thought about it I wasn’t sure about my academic abilities but in the CCF, you are recognised for your hard work, and it is really appreciated.
Belonging to something gives me a sense of security and comfort and helps me to feel at ease. This is something I feel as a CCF cadet – I don’t have to pretend to be someone I am not. I have worked hard within the CCF, and I have earned my promotions which makes me feel seen and heard and this is so important to me.
Most of my best friendships have been made within the CCF. When you are wandering through a muddy field during a cold and dark night, these are the friends who stick with you and you develop such a bond, that it doesn’t matter if you are camping out on the floor that night – you are surrounded by your best friends so you’re already having a great time! These are friendships that will last forever. I am still in touch with cadets who have aged out but really helped me during their time here and I hope that I am offering the same friendships to the younger cadets. I hope I am helping them to feel like they belong here in the CCF.
Mental health is something that I struggle with, and day to day is difficult for me. But being a part of the CCF really does help. I know this because the second I arrive at my contingent, I forget the bad day or the bad week that I am having. Every smile is genuine and I am surrounded by people and friendships that bring me joy. I can be myself around my fellow cadets and I know that if I needed to, I can talk to any of them or my teachers and fellow students and I hope that my peers feel comfortable to talk to me too.
The CCF to me is a place where I am able to be myself, and this is so important. Finding a place where I feel happy and safe to just be myself. I want everyone to be able to find their space.”
- Colour Sergeant Kezia Hammond, Stowe School CCF Army
“I started to feel like I belonged at cadets once I became more confident in the sessions and began working regularly with my section. Taking part in activities like drill and fieldcraft helped me to feel part of a team and I enjoyed the shared sense of discipline and responsibility.
Belonging to me, means feeling accepted, valued and a part of a team where everyone is working towards a common goal. It is knowing you can rely on others and that your contribution matters.
The CCF is where I have developed confidence, built strong friendships and learnt about the importance of teamwork and leadership.”
- Cadet Tobi Jimoh, Stowe School CCF RAF
“I have been in cadets for over three years now and I am a part of my school’s CCF RAF section. I have always been interested in the military and thought the CCF would be a great way to discover more about myself. I was nervous before I joined – I didn’t want to make any mistakes!
I first felt like I belonged when I was selected to be part of the team within our Squadron, where together we would go and represent our CCF contingent in almost every event. And for me, belonging means being useful and appreciated within a community.
I remember feeling like the CCF was ‘my place’ when we were doing training for our hardest annual competition. I was very bad at running! But instead of everyone giving up on me, all members of our squad slowed down and cheered me on all the way until the end. Most of my long-term friendships have been formed within the cadets. It is so easy to form such strong bonds when you’re working together and you succeed together. The friendships within CCF are often stronger and deeper. Some are now long distanced friendships – I might not have seen these people since they aged out but we talk regularly and its true friendships.
Since joining the CCF, I have become mentally stronger knowing that I can push my boundaries further and I have gained skills and experiences that I feel make me a better human being.
Being a part of the CCF makes you feel more responsible and accountable for your actions – helping you to understand people better and learn how to talk to different people as you meet a variety of people through the CCF.
CCF can often help me if I am having a tough week. If we’re doing a funny command task for example or simply by turning up and enjoying my time here.
I feel like I can be myself at cadets. As a previous Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) once told me – there are moments to laugh and there’s moments to lock in and be serious.
I feel like I can talk to my NCOs if something is bothering me. They are close to my age range and can relate to things that are happening to me in my life.
But my advice for anyone looking to join the CCF I would tell them that it can be challenging but if you push yourself, you can become a better person than you already were.”
- Cadet George Bilhoyskyi, Stowe School CCF RAF
Thank you to all the cadets who took part in sharing their stories.
The CCF believes that all children and young people belong and we are here to support you. For more information please click here. You are never alone and we are stronger together, side by side.