Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) 2026 takes place from May 4 to 10, with National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on May 7.
This year, Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is aligning with the theme for Mental Health Week, “Come Together,” which invites all of us to strengthen our connection to ourselves, to one another, and to our communities. At its core, this theme recognizes that connection is foundational to mental health and well-being.
Children’s Mental Health Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of connection, highlight the critical role of community-based mental health services, and call for action to build a more connected and responsive system of care for Ontario’s infants, children, youth, and families. This year, we are also using this opportunity to strengthen advocacy for community-based care, highlighting its role in building connection and belonging.
Why This Matters: Connection Makes a Difference
- Connection is foundational to mental health.
For children and youth, connection to self, family, peers, and community is one of the strongest predictors of well-being, resilience, and long-term mental health outcomes. [1],[2]
- Connection directly shapes outcomes for young people.
Young people who feel connected experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher resilience, and a stronger ability to cope, while those without positive social relationships face significantly greater mental health risks. [1]
- Too many young people are experiencing a growing disconnect.
Despite needing connection the most, youth report fewer positive social relationships than older age groups, alongside rising mental health challenges. This gap must be addressed. [1]
- Community-based services are critical to building connection and serve as a beacon in many communities across Ontario.
Child and youth mental health services across Ontario serve as a beacon for connection by supporting families, fostering peer relationships, and ensuring young people feel seen, understood, and supported in their communities.
- Investing in community-based care means investing in connection.
Strengthening mental health outcomes requires sustained investment in accessible, community-based services that build connection and belonging for children, youth, and families across Ontario.
“Connection is one of the most powerful tools we have to support and protect children and youth mental health,” said Cindy Prins, Interim CEO, CMHO. “When young people feel connected to themselves, to others, and to their communities, they are more resilient, more supported, and better able to thrive. We need to ensure every child and youth in Ontario has access to the relationships and services that make that possible.”
Show Your Support
Use your voice to show your support for Children’s Mental Health Week by sharing these posts on social media along with the reasons child and youth mental health is important to you!
Don’t forget to tag CMHO in your posts and use the hashtags #CMHW2026, #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek, and #KidsCantWait.
Click on the graphics below and right-click to save.
#CMHW2026 #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek #KidsCantWait
Find help in your community.
Through our network of child and youth mental health centres, Children’s Mental Health Ontario has 4,000 child and youth mental healthcare workers across Ontario ready to help parents and their children.
- No problem is too big or too small.
- Our centres offer virtual, phone, and in-person appointments and walk-in clinics.
- Sessions are available for parents/caregivers too.
- You don’t need a referral or OHIP card.
