Our friend Sophie at Let’s Bake the World a Better Place started this project in her local community last year. Unfortunately, there are many young people currently struggling with their mental health in all of our communities. It is our hope that creating Mental Health Care Packages for these students will help them feel accepted, appreciated, acknowledged, and cared for, remind them that they’re not alone, and provide some items to inspire hope and healing.
Supplies
Bags
Fidget toys
Journals
Stickers
Cards
Wristbands
“You Matter” cards + bracelet supplies
Pens to write in cards
Scissors for bracelet making
Optional: candy
Instructions
- First, work as a club to decide where your Care Packages will go. You can collaborate with your school counselors or social workers to make the packages available to students in your school or you could partner with a community organization, agency, hospital, or mental health provider to get the care packages to students who may be going through a tough time and may be helped by a reminder that they matter and someone cares.
- Work as a club to put 25 care packages together. Each Material Kit should include a bag, a pop fidget, a journal, a wristband, a sticker, a bracelet, and a card. Decide as a club if you would like to add anything else, such as candy or other de-stress items.
- The friendship bracelets and the cards will take some time to create and personalize. Use the instruction sheets in your Material Kit to write sincere, thoughtful messages in the cards. Use the friendship bracelet instructions or YouTube videos to learn how to make the bracelets. Put each bracelet in one of the small bags provided and add one of the “You Matter” cards.
- Carefully assemble each care package and make sure it includes one of each item. Then, deliver the care packages to the individual or organization who is going to help make sure they get into the hands of other students who need them.
