Children and Young People Physical Activity

February Data 2026

Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID); 2026.

Data on levels of physical activity in children and young people, part of the the obesity, physical activity and nutrition profile on Fingertips. A new indicator showing the percentage of less active children and young people has been added to the profile. The indicator on percentage of physically active children and young people has been updated with 2024 to 2025 data.

Access here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/children-and-young-people-physical-activity-data-february-2026
Freely available online

Professionals’ Needs When Identifying and Intervening in Cases of Emotional Violence Against Children: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

A new study sheds light on the experiences and needs of professionals who work with children and families when emotional violence is present. Emotional violence can be less visible than physical or sexual abuse, but it has serious effects on children’s mental health and behaviour.

The research explores how professionals in health, social care and education struggle with recognising emotional violence, starting conversations with families, and knowing how to intervene in ways that are safe and effective. Participants highlighted the need for more training, practical tools and support from colleagues and supervisors so they can work confidently within complex service systems.

This study underlines why ongoing education and support for frontline staff matters, especially for those working at the intersection of mental health, safeguarding and family support. It also points to the importance of clear pathways, culturally sensitive resources and systemic backing that enable professionals to protect children and support families.

Read the full article here: Professionals’ Needs When Identifying and Intervening in Cases of Emotional Violence Against Children: A Qualitative Descriptive Study – Ikonen – 2025 – Health & Social Care in the Community – Wiley Online Library

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter November 2025

The latest Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter August 2025

The latest Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Resources for Health Play Services for England

Play Well Toolkit

NHS England

Image created with AI

This toolkit, produced by NHS England and Starlight, will help commissioners, service managers, health play practitioners and clinical leaders to design, plan and deliver high-quality health play services for babies, children and young people. It includes guidelines, recommended standards and a quality checklists.

NHS England » Play well – resources for health play services for England

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter May 2025

The latest Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2025

This Children’s Mental Health Week (3–9 Feb), this week encourages young people to express themselves and be heard. Libraries offer safe spaces and books that support mental wellbeing, helping children feel understood and empowered.

Let’s help them find their voices and make a difference!

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Every year, we celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week to highlight the critical importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies. This week is a time to spread awareness about the numerous benefits breastfeeding provides, from essential nutrients and antibodies for infants to reduced health risks for mothers.

Our library is dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families. We offer a wealth of resources on breastfeeding.

During this week, let’s come together to support and encourage breastfeeding mothers. Whether through providing accurate information, or simply offering a listening ear, each of us can make a difference.

Centre for Mental Health

Recent reports

More than the sum of our parts: an evaluation of local mental health alliances.


The voluntary sector plays a vital role in supporting people with mental health difficulties. Yet, insecure funding and a lack of meaningful collaboration can inhibit voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations from providing the mental health support that people depend on. This report explores how bringing together local stakeholders – including VCSE organisations, NHS commissioners and providers of health and social care, and experts by experience – can lead to more effective and equitable support for people living with a mental illness.

CentreforMH_MoreThanTheSumOfOurParts.pdf (centreformentalhealth.org.uk)

A dual crisis: the hidden link between poverty and children’s mental health


This report explores the impact of poverty and benefit conditionality on families’ mental health. Based on research with parents and children, and a review of the evidence, it finds that money and mental health are inextricably linked; not having enough money leads to parental stress and guilt, which has a knock-on impact on children over the course of their lives. And with rates of poverty twice as high among Asian and Black families than white families, some children are ‘overexposed’ to the dual risks of poverty and poor mental health.

CentreforMH_ADualCrisis.pdf (centreformentalhealth.org.uk)