‘Miles For Smiles’ – MHST Fundraising for Children’s Mental Health Week

During Children’s Mental Health Week this year, our East Riding Mental Health Support Team (MHST) are setting out to complete a 7-mile walk for charity, visiting schools they support across East Riding. Miles For Smiles is aptly named for the journey which will bring resources for wellbeing to the primary and secondary school children the team visit.

The East Riding Mental Health Support Team provide specialist mental health initiatives and support for children and young people. The team will be visiting schools in the East Riding area and delivering over 200 Emotional Wellbeing Kits, designed to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Emotional Wellbeing Kits include coping cards, affirmation stickers and stress balls specifically created for children and young people. The MHST provide support to young people throughout the year, including online resources available to download for free. There are also resources aimed at supporting parents with their child’s mental health.

Our Trust’s newly launched Connect website is also a comprehensive resource, containing all child and young person-centred information and services available.

The walk will not only share the valuable wellbeing kits and raise awareness with the children of East Riding, but sponsorship raised will help to create funds for Health Stars charity. Health Stars is our Trust Charity who help to enhance the health care experiences and outcomes for thousands of people across East Yorkshire, Hull and North Yorkshire.

Heidi Fewings, Early Intervention and Prevention Lead said, “This walk will help us raise funds to continue the fantastic work being done by Health Stars but isn’t just about raising money; it’s about connecting with the children and schools we support in a meaningful way. By delivering these kits in person, we hope to inspire smiles and show our commitment to their wellbeing.”

Sarah Dennison, Team Lead of East Riding MHST said “The team are very much looking forward to their miles for smiles walk. They have built some positive relationships with the schools in the local area, and we are looking forward to visiting them on the day to share our wellbeing packs. The East Riding Mental Health Support Team are grateful for the ongoing support they receive from the schools, and this is a way of sharing with schools our dedication to the school and wider community our continuing commitment to children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. We can’t wait to see many faces on the day to share this experience with.” 

Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 runs from 3 to 9 February, focusing this year on the theme of Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, with the aim to equip and empower children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them. The MHST will begin their walk on Friday 7 February at 9am in Beverley.

To support the MHST’s efforts, donations can be made through their Just Giving page, helping to ensure more children receive the resources they need to thrive.