Olivia Colman delivers mental health message to children during virtual assembly

Olivia Colman has told school children that it is “vital that we take care of our own mental well-being” as part of a series of virtual gatherings recorded for Children’s Mental Health Week.

The Oscar winner, 48, has teamed up with Bafta and charity Place2Be for the wellbeing and emotional growth events, which will go online on Monday.

She joined famous faces including presenters Emma Willis and Lindsey Russell, Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse and actors Kit Young and Kia Pegg on the series.

The gatherings focused on the theme of growing together through activities that students can try in class or at home to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding mental health.

Colman said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone so it’s important that we look after our own spiritual well being but also find ways to support one another.

“We keep growing, maybe we just don’t realize it. The hardest growth to spot is emotional.

“For Children’s Mental Health Week 2022, we encourage everyone to find out how they grew together and celebrate how, even in difficult times, we can continue to grow and thrive with the right support.”

As part of the sessions, professional dancer Mabuse took part in activities with the students.

She said: “When I’m struggling with everyday things or feeling a little overwhelmed, I know I can always talk to my mum. Sharing is important.

“I think it’s important to share emotions, to share how we’re feeling — whether that’s good, bad, sad, up, down, happy or excited — we need to reach out.”

The famous faces were joined by pupils from Place2Be partner schools Seascape Primary in County Durham, Rosslyn Park Primary in Nottingham, Carrick Academy in South Ayrshire and Folkestone Academy in Kent.

The meetings will go live on Monday 7th February at 8am.

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