Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

This Is My Place A Year 10 Boarder’s Perspective 💛

When people hear the word boarding they often think it is just about sleeping somewhere that is not home. But for me boarding is so much more than that. It is a place where I feel safe understood and supported. It is where I belong. That is why this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme This Is My Place feels especially meaningful.

Living in the boarding house means being surrounded by people who become part of your everyday life. We do not just share corridors and bedrooms. We share meals laughter late night chats stressful exam weeks and the small moments that really matter. There is always someone around whether you need help with homework someone to talk to when you are feeling low or just a friendly face after a long day.

One of the best things about boarding is the sense of community. Everyone looks out for each other. The boarding staff play a huge part in this. They help us settle in check in on us when we are tired or stressed and are always there to listen. They notice when something is not quite right and make sure we are okay. Knowing there are adults who genuinely care about how we are feeling makes the boarding house feel safe and supportive.

The boarding house also feels like a second family. It is a place where you are accepted for who you are where friendships grow naturally and where you are never really alone. Even when you miss home there is comfort in knowing you are surrounded by people who care about you and want the best for you not just academically but emotionally too.

For me this is my place because it is where I feel I can be myself. It is where I have learned how important belonging is for mental health and how feeling safe supported and understood can help you face challenges with confidence. During Children’s Mental Health Week it is a reminder that having a place like this a community a family a home away from home really does make all the difference 💛