Great Big Live Assembly: Children’s Mental Health Week

Join us for the Great Big Live Assembly as we focus on understanding our emotions for Children’s Mental Health Week 2025.

This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” is all about helping children understand who they are and giving them the tools to thrive. Together, we’ll explore how recognizing and naming our feelings—whether they’re happy, sad, big, or small—can help us face life’s challenges with courage and hope.

With 1 in 5 children now experiencing a probable mental health condition, this is a vital opportunity to show children across the UK that they are seen, heard, and supported. By joining the Great Big Live Assembly, we can send a united message: You are not alone, and your story matters.

HOST Dr Krish Kandiah OBE

Dr Krish Kandiah is a social entrepreneur with a vision to help solve some of society’s seemingly intractable problems through building partnerships across civil society, faith communities, government and philanthropy. He led the Afghan Welcome and UKHK initiatives which have worked with government and civil society to welcome newcomers from Afghanistan and Hong Kong to the UK. He is the director of Sanctuary Foundation, a foster carer, a host in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and sits on the government’s Core Delivery Group. He is the author of over 15 books, including two welcome books for resettled Hong Kong and Ukrainian children.

David Trickey is a highly respected clinical psychologist and Co-Director of the UK Trauma Council (UKTC). With over two decades of experience, he is a leading expert in supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma. His work focuses on understanding how adverse events impact mental health and well-being, with a commitment to developing effective interventions and guidance for schools, caregivers, and professionals working with vulnerable young people.

Daniel is an 11 year old refugee from Ukraine who has lived in the UK for the last 2 and a half years. He will be taking part in the assembly offering his experiences of overcoming trauma and what helped his mental health.

We’ll hear directly from children in Ghana about their innovative approaches to mental well-being.Thanks to our friends World Vision who have been suporting young people there for many years.

This event is being run to support Place2Be’s national Children’s Mental Health Week.