Beano and Place2Be join forces to support children’s mental health

Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie and all of Beanotown will help children build better mental health through a new partnership, between top children’s comic Beano and Place2Be. 

This partnership brings together Beano’s 85 years of expertise in engaging children and Place2Be’s 30 years of expertise in delivering effective mental health support within school communities. Together we can work to support children’s mental wellbeing across the UK.  

NHS data shows that 1 in 5 children and young people in England have a probable mental health problem. Without the right support, many continue to have these problems into adulthood. Through this partnership, Beano and Place2Be will provide children and families with advice on how to look after their own mental health. The partnership will also provide advice on where to turn if they need additional support.

To kickstart the partnership, Beano and Place2Be have created a ‘Top tips for children’ resource for Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 – the national initiative run by Place2Be. This resource features much-loved Beano characters and advice (written by primary age children, for primary age children) on looking after your mental health. 

Place2Be has been working in partnership in with UK schools since 1994. The charity provides expert school-based support and in-depth training programmes to improve wellbeing and understanding of mental health among pupils, families, teachers and the wider school community.

Beano has been helping children navigate life through fun and mischief since 1938. From World Wars to global pandemics, first days of school to getting their first mobile phone, the comic has always been on hand to help kids process emotions and feelings in a fun and engaging way. The Place2Be partnership follows on from a five-year partnership with YoungMinds, which launched the Beano for Schools Bouncebackability programme and annual Britain’s Funniest Class initiative. Beano for Schools provides free, curriculum-linked resources for teachers, which introduce and discuss mental health wellbeing with easy step-by-step lesson plans.