This is My Place

Last week marked Children’s Mental Health Week, and the theme this year was "This is My Place." 

For a child to thrive, they need to feel a deep sense of belonging - a feeling that they are safe, valued, and seen in the spaces they inhabit every day.

For many children, however, a sense of belonging is difficult to find. When a child has experienced trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the world can feel like an unpredictable and threatening place. Instead of feeling they belong, they may feel they have to "survive."

Why it matters for the Church

At Join the Dots, we believe that the Church has a unique calling to be "that place" for every child. Whether it’s Sunday School, a youth club, or a community playgroup, these environments can be transformative for a child's mental health.

But creating a safe space goes beyond a friendly welcome. It requires us to understand the "why" behind a child’s struggle. When we understand how ACEs impact the developing brain and nervous system, our perspective shifts. We stop seeing "disruptive behaviour" and start seeing a child who is looking for safety and a place where they truly belong.

How can you help?

We want to equip you to be a part of the solution. To mark Children's Mental Health Week, we are highlighting our free resource: "What are ACEs & How Do They Impact People?"

Read the Free Resource Here

Let’s work together

Is your church or organisation truly a "safe space" for every child and family, including those carrying the heaviest burdens?

Join the Dots offers specialist training and consultancy to help faith-based organisations become trauma-aware. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your team in building a culture where every child and family can look around and say, "This is my place."

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