M&S Kidswear Design Contest Boosts Childrens Mental Health

M&S stores in the south-west started a contest. They partnered with YoungMinds, enabling young people to design kidswear and support children’s mental health.

The contest is for Children’s Mental Health Week, running from February 3 to February 3. Young designers can submit designs for sweatshirts or hoodies. M&S will then sell these items in stores and online.

All profits will go to YoungMinds. This will help young people get the mental health support they need.

M&S and YoungMinds conducted research revealing a growing mental health crisis. The research suggests that five students in each class may be struggling with mental health issues. Many don’t seek help, often due to embarrassment.

Theresa Furnish, an M&S manager, discussed the partnership and noted they raised over £3 million. This money aids in supporting young people’s mental health. She emphasized the importance of young people knowing they are not alone and that support is available when needed.

The design contest raises awareness and spotlights the support YoungMinds provides. M&S aims to get many young people involved, and everyone should support struggling youth. As they said, “together, we have got this.”

Rochelle Humes, an ambassador for M&S and YoungMinds, expressed her excitement about the design contest. She believes one conversation can make a significant difference. She encouraged people to encourage young designers to enter, suggesting their designs could positively contribute and raise money for YoungMinds.

M&S has raised over £3 million for YoungMinds. The charity has assisted over 3.2 million young people. They also provided mental health advice and supported more than 1.8 million adults through services including a helpline.

The contest welcomes designers throughout the UK. Entry details are available on the M&S website.