Sock It To Stigma: Wear crazy socks to support ShawMind in Children's Mental Health Week

Sock It To Stigma - step out in crazy socks and raise funds for Sheffield charity ShawMind to show your support for Children's Mental Health Week.

Why?

Because with one in five children not attending school at some stage because of the problem, children's mental health demands our attention, says the city's ShawMind, a mental health support charity, which is stepping up to drive action and impact.

Sheffield is known for its resilience, but mental health among children and adolescents is often a silent struggle, and it's time to break that silence, it says.

As official mental health charity partners to the Sheffield Steelers, Sharks, and Hatters, it has the support of the city's sports icons who are also getting involved by wearing their funkiest socks during the week.

ShawMind is encouraging the public to also follow trending posts on social media and support #SockItToStigma by wearing crazy socks at games this week, standing in unity against the stigma surrounding mental health during Children's Mental Health Week 2024, which runs from February 5-11.

Beyond the fun and games, there's a serious message of 'Leave No One Behind'.

ShawMind is committed to this ethos, and through #SockItToStigma it aims to foster open conversations about mental health - with participation not just a gesture, but a pledge to support the children who need it most.

How can you contribute? It's simple!

Wear your funkiest socks this week - to work, to the sports games and anywhere you can to start the conversation about children's mental health.

Head to https://bit.ly/3vWRc6S to make a donation.

Every pound directly funds ShawMind's Development Programme, bringing critical skills to 13-16 year-olds. As a charity, i says it greatly depends on the kindness and generosity of donors in order to do meaningful work.

But that's not all.

You can dive into its engaging Sock It To Stigma Activity Pack. It's a powerful conversation starter, filled with fun and educational materials - get it here.

"Sheffield, let's make headlines that matter. Join us in raising awareness, breaking barriers, and ensuring no child is left behind in the shadows of mental health struggles," said a ShawMind spokesperson.

"Wear your funkiest socks proudly and be part of a movement that's making a step-change to children's mental health! #SockItToStigma #LeaveNoOneBehind”