Brighton initiative offers mental health walks for children

Wandering Emotions is a Brighton-based initiative that strives to educate young people about mental health.

The organisation is running a series of free outdoor walks in Brighton for children aged five to 12, featuring activities to help them engage with their emotions.

Abbie Chay, co-director, showing children how to make a 'colour mosaic' in Preston Park (Image: Wandering Emotions)

Children, accompanied by their parents, will take part in games designed by mental health professionals to support them with emotions.

One activity is the five senses check-in, which involves children exploring what they can see, touch, hear, smell and taste.

It also encourages them to focus their attention on their breathing, which aids self-regulation.

Children can take part in a range of activities to connect with their emotions (Image: Wandering Emotions)

To attend go to https://wanderingemotions.my.canva.site/about

Wandering Emotions co-director Abbie Chay, who organises and runs the walks, said: “It is so important for children to understand and regulate their emotions and feel safe to talk about their mental health.

“It’s great to see them learning how to do so while having fun outside in nature.

“Running the Wandering Emotions walks and seeing both the children and adults enjoy getting involved in the activities reassures me that this is the perfect way to help families feel confident to talk about mental health in a fun and supportive environment.”

The walks will take place in Hove Park on July 20 and Queens Park on July 24, with additional dates to be added throughout the summer.