National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Strong Minds Start Young
- Shane Warren
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
7 May 2026
On Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) reaffirms a simple but powerful truth: every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.
Children’s mental health is not a secondary issue, it is foundational to lifelong wellbeing. Emotional security, early intervention, stable relationships, and safe learning environments shape how young people understand themselves and the world around them.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:
“Strong minds don’t just happen, they are nurtured. When we invest in children’s mental health early, we reduce stigma, strengthen families, and prevent more complex challenges later in life. Early support is not optional; it is preventative care.” Shane Warren said.
Across Australia, children are navigating academic pressure, social media influence, family stress, and broader community uncertainty. Without the right supports, small struggles can become larger barriers.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy, drawing on her experience in school welfare and family counselling, added:
“When a child feels safe and listened to, their capacity to grow is extraordinary. The earlier we create emotionally supportive environments be it at home, in schools, and in communities, the stronger our future becomes.” Susan Sandy added.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day calls on communities to:
Break stigma around young people seeking help
Strengthen school-based and community support systems
Encourage open conversations about emotions
Equip parents and carers with practical tools
Prioritise early intervention
Mental health care for children must be a priority, not a privilege. Strong minds start young and when we support children early, we build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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