This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week focuses on the theme “This Is My Place”, encouraging children and young people to feel a sense of belonging, safety and connection within the places where they live, learn, and grow.
At Holly House in Courtyard Care, the team’s work with H reflects this theme perfectly. Through a Total Communication Approach, identity‑affirming resources, and skilled, attuned support, we help H feel: “This is my place.”
What Is the Total Communication Approach?
The Total Communication Approach involves using all forms of communication — spoken and non‑spoken — to support a child to understand and express themselves.
This includes:
It is based on accepting and responding to every communication attempt a child makes, recognising that meaningful communication does not depend solely on words. The approach focuses on understanding a child’s preferred communication modes and blending them flexibly to help them succeed.
Communication as a Pathway to Belonging
Feeling understood is central to belonging. Through signing, symbols, visuals, and adapted language, H has developed both expressive and receptive communication skills.
Hannah, Team Leader at Holly House, shares: “H is now able to identify and sign different feelings and share this with the team. His verbal communication has really developed, and he confidently chooses between different options that work for him and the staff team.”
This progress helps H express his needs and emotions, reduces frustration, and strengthens trusting relationships — all key elements of emotional safety and wellbeing.
Representation Helps H Feel “This Is My Place”
Belonging is strengthened when children see themselves reflected in their environment.
Inclusive books, dolls, and visual materials help H explore his identity and recognise himself positively.
Hannah explains: “H has been able to point to the inclusive dolls and then point to himself, showing he feels representation. He’s been role‑playing more of how he sees life — even putting toys in wheelchairs and pushing them.”
These experiences help H feel valued, understood, and connected — echoing this year’s national theme.
Skilled Staff Who Create Safe, Connected Spaces
All staff supporting H have completed Makaton and wider communication training to ensure consistent, informed support.
Hannah highlights: “Makaton training has strengthened the team’s ability to support H effectively. Learning new signs with him has built trust, understanding, and truly person‑centred care. It gives him the chance to be heard.”
This training enables staff to create emotionally secure spaces where H feels accepted and understood — reinforcing his sense of belonging
Strengthening the Voice of the Child
“This Is My Place” is also about empowerment. H now uses:
These tools help him express his wishes, preferences, and emotions.
This has enabled H to:
Together, these developments show H feels safe to express himself — a powerful reflection of what it means for a child to find their place.
Creating H’s Place at Holly House
Children’s Mental Health Week highlights the importance of children feeling safe, seen, heard, and connected.
Through Total Communication, inclusive representation, and trained, compassionate staff, Holly House is shaping an environment where H can confidently say:
“This is my place.”
How Courtyard Care Supports Children to Thrive
At Courtyard Care, our mission is to create places where every child feels they belong.
We do this by:
Our teams across the organisation are committed to ensuring that every young person — like H — has the tools, confidence, and relationships they need to feel secure, understood, and empowered in their world.
At Courtyard Care, we don’t just provide care. We create places where children feel they belong.
Learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
