This year’s Mental Health Day theme is Access to Services and we believe every family deserves the support they need to feel happy, connected, and able to thrive.

 

At 50 Things to Do, we want every family to enjoy joyful, playful moments together. Knowing that family life isn’t always simple, our 50 free activities are designed to help make those special moments easier to share and boost everyone’s mood. 

 

Play is a natural medicine for when you feel down. Doing fun and silly activities such as #6 Rhyme Time and #21 Gigglebox with your child can be so great at lifting everyone’s spirits. 

 

Here are three of our favourite 50 Things to Do activities, that are instant mood boosters!

• #13 Dance! Is the perfect activity for instantly making you and your child happy. Put some music on and dance around. 

• #27 Little People Park Keeper - Spending time outdoors, going for a walk or a play at the local park is amazing for your mood. 

• #47 Great Bradford Baking - Baking or cooking means you spend lots of quality time together - following instructions and creating something you can share is always a happy time! 

 

 

This year’s World Mental Health Day reminds us how important it is for families to know help is available. Whether it’s through Family Hubs, NHS mental health services, your GP, parenting and family support groups, or local community resources, you’re not alone.

 

By recognising the interconnection between child and parental wellbeing, professionals can help build lasting change, not just for individuals, but for the whole family. When families can access timely and appropriate support, parents feel more equipped, connected, and confident. In turn, they’re better able to create safe, nurturing environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive. 

 

Services like Family Hubs, who use and promote 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five, help embed playful, everyday experiences into family life, promoting the joy and connection that support wellbeing for both children and adults.

 

Our localised 50 Things to Do digital versions contain links to many useful local services, like family hubs and parenting groups.  Many of our areas also include events happening in local communities, so families can feel connected. 

 

Our activity #43 High Five is all about introducing children to the people who are here to help us from the very earliest stages in life. We want children to understand that they can get help when they need it. By going out and speaking to people in uniform children learn to not be scared to speak to people who are there to protect us.

 

When a child feels understood and supported, they are more likely to thrive in school, at home, and in their relationships.

If you are a parent or carer who is looking for cost-free and stress-free activities to do with their children, take a look here - https://www.50thingstodo.org/families 

If you work with families and would like to know more about how to support parents and children with playful activities - https://www.50thingstodo.org/professionals