Our young people’s wellbeing and half-term fun

I recently had the privilege of visiting Off the Record, one of the fantastic organisations right here in our borough which supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The team works hard to help young people with the everyday challenges they face. I was very impressed with their ‘young people first’ mission which ensures every child is heard and is the main focus of their care. 

This visit felt particularly timely as we mark Children’s Mental Health Week. It is an important reminder that for many of our young residents, the toughest battles are the ones we cannot see. This year’s theme, ‘This is My Place’, highlights the importance of the feeling of belonging every child needs to thrive and do well - whether that’s within their family, their school, or in our wider Sutton community. As well as Off the Record, there are other support services for children and young people in Sutton including our hard working Sutton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Find out more information.

Looking ahead to next week, it’s February half-term and this will offer much-needed breathing space for our young people. It is a great opportunity for them to recharge, try something new, and reconnect with their friends - all of which are vital for both mental and physical wellbeing. Sutton’s libraries and leisure centres both offer programmes of activities. From creative workshops to quiet spaces, our libraries have a diverse line-up of events.

And for those looking to stay active, our leisure centre provider, Everyone Active is hosting a variety of sessions designed specifically for young people.

Finally, I am really proud of Sutton’s award-winning parks and open spaces. I know the weather has been rainy, cold and damp, but as we look toward the half-term, I’m hopeful we’ll see some winter sunshine. We know that spending time in nature is one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost our mental health.

Whether it’s a walk in the park or a session at the library, I hope you all can take advantage of everything Sutton has to offer next week. I know that many people across the borough will also be marking various religious holidays and festivals over the coming weeks from Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Lent and Holi - I wish you all a peaceful and blessed time with your family, friends and communities.  

Councillor Barry Lewis
Leader of Sutton Council