Every year on November 20th, the world comes together to celebrate World Children's Day, a day dedicated to promoting international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. This day holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of every child.
Children are the future, and their well-being is paramount for a thriving society. As we commemorate World Children's Day, it's crucial to reflect on how we can contribute to guiding, helping, and supporting the growth, wisdom, and mental health of the younger generation. Celebrating Children’s Futures
Guiding Their Path: Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day
Encourage Curiosity: Foster a sense of curiosity in children by supporting their interests. Whether it's science, art, or sports, providing them with opportunities to explore and learn can ignite a lifelong passion.
Be a Positive Role Model: Children often emulate the behaviour of those around them. Being a positive role model sets an example of kindness, empathy, and resilience, traits that contribute to a child's emotional and social development.
Promote Inclusivity: Teach children the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. Encourage friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where differences are celebrated.
Helping Their Journey: Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day
Provide Educational Resources: Ensure access to quality education. Whether through books, online resources, or educational games, supporting their learning journey is essential for their intellectual development.
Create Safe Spaces: Establish environments where children feel safe expressing themselves. Open communication channels at home, in schools, and the community can help them navigate challenges with confidence.
Support Emotional Well-being: Acknowledge and validate children's emotions. Teach them healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being from a young age.
Supporting Their Mental Health: Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day
Encourage Outdoor Activities: Physical activity is linked to improved mental health. Encourage children to engage in outdoor play, sports, or nature walks to promote both physical and mental well-being.
Limit Screen Time: While technology can be beneficial, excessive screen time can negatively impact mental health. Set limits on screen time and encourage activities that promote face-to-face interaction and creativity.
Be Attentive to Signs of Stress: Pay attention to signs of stress or anxiety in children. Open conversations about their feelings and, if needed, seek professional support to address mental health concerns.
The Wigan Foundation not-for-profit community interest company shaping futures with FAAIR. Supporting Their Well-being: Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day
Encourage people to find FAAIR through art and creativity.
Engage those with neurodiverse abilities to achieve success.
Develop communities appreciating small things matter.
Young people. Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day.
We seek to create a brighter future for young people, helping them ignite their dreams and gain the confidence and purpose to pursue them. We provide educational material within our learning centre and digital assets, suited to Key Stages 2 through 4. We strive to make learning fun, engaging, completely inclusive, inspiring and empowering.
Nurturing the Future: A Guide for Children and Teenagers
Being a child or teenager can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. However, there are numerous ways to improve health, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction. Here's a list of things you can do to nurture your future and create a foundation for a happy, healthy life:
1. Prioritise Physical Health:
Engage in regular physical activity: whether it's sports, dance, or simply going for a walk, exercise is vital for physical and mental well-being.
Maintain a balanced diet: Fuel your body with a variety of nutritious foods to support physical growth and energy levels.
2. Cultivate Mental Well-being:
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to manage stress and enhance mental clarity.
Develop a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and view setbacks as learning experiences.
3. Explore Hobbies and Passions:
Discover your interests: Try out different activities to find what you enjoy, whether it's painting, playing an instrument, coding, or gardening.
Set goals: Challenge yourself to achieve personal milestones in your hobbies, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
4. Foster Emotional Well-being:
Express yourself: Find healthy outlets for your emotions, such as journaling, art, or talking to someone you trust.
Build strong connections: Cultivate positive relationships with friends and family, providing a support system during challenging times.
5. Release Fear, Lack, and Judgment:
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes; it's a part of the learning process.
Let go of perfectionism: Understand that it's okay not to be perfect; focus on progress and growth instead.
6. Seek Knowledge and Education:
Read widely: Immerse yourself in books and educational materials to expand your knowledge and stimulate your mind.
Stay curious: Ask questions, explore new topics, and cultivate a love for learning that will benefit you throughout life.
7. Engage in Acts of Kindness:
Volunteer: Contribute to your community through volunteering, fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility.
Practice kindness: Small acts of kindness, whether towards others or yourself, can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
8. Embrace Nature:
Spend time outdoors: Connect with nature by going for hikes, picnics, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around you.
Practice eco-friendly habits: Contribute to environmental well-being by adopting sustainable practices in your daily life.
9. Set Boundaries:
Learn to say no: Understand your limits and set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's taking a break, reading a book, or enjoying a hobby.
By incorporating these practices into your life, you're laying the foundation for a future filled with well-being, fulfilment, and resilience. Remember, your well-being is a journey, and each step you take matters.
Together, let's nurture the future and create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Reviews The Wigan Foundation
"I want to thank you, and of course Willard, so much for an amazing day on Monday. Each time I visited the room it was buzzing with excitement and pupils (and staff) have been talking about it all week. It means a lot to have people come into our schools and work with our pupils, and for us, this was the first time we've done something where all our schools' pupils have mixed. For it to run so smoothly and meet all of their individual needs is a testament to what you had to offer and that is very special." Beth Greville-Giddings. Raleigh Trust "Thank you 💗 It was an utterly incredible, humbling, awe-inspiring, fun-filled, truly amazing experience for both the students and the staff. We appreciate so very much the time and energy you all brought and to see the kids so engaged, curious and motivated was beyond all our wildest dreams." Sarah Bailey. Rosehill School Nottingham
Small Things Matter, Celebrating Children’s Futures Each & Every Day.
For more information about how to invest in the futures of children please visit
The Wigan Foundation website and use the form provided to contact my team. www.thewiganfoundation.com