Early Years Wellbeing Week 2023: Interview with Kate Moxley

When is Early Years Wellbeing Week 2023?

Early Years Wellbeing Week 2023 is taking place on Monday 9 October to Sunday 15 October. The annual event is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the early years workforce.

Raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing in early years settings

Kate Moxley, best-selling author and founder of Early Years Wellbeing Week, joined us to discuss where it all began and how she hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues for educators in the sector.

Reflecting on her journey in early years, Kate said: “Throughout the years, I've done a variety of different roles."

"I started to talk about mental health and wellbeing in the sector and realised that there wasn't a huge wealth of information out there for educators." she continued.

"I decided to start Early Years Wellbeing Week to increase our awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the sector."

"I thought it was important to talk about and consider what emotional literacy means for staff.” she added.

Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing

The last few years have been challenging for everyone, and the need to support mental health and wellbeing is therefore greater than ever.

Kate revealed: "Lots of people are having to leave the early years sector due to the fact that it's not supporting those educators who might need additional support with their mental health and wellbeing."

"Mental health can affect us all and it's important to think about how we can take care of ourselves. Particularly with the cost-of-living crisis and all these uncertainties, we need to consider what we can control and what action we can take to improve our wellbeing." she continued.

"Many people think that the impact of the pandemic has gone away, but it certainly hasn't."

"We're seeing the challenges for children who are not used to socialising because they have been at home for longer throughout the pandemic." she continued

"Educators are trying their best to support these children, but it can be difficult to access the training and support that we need."

“Often, when we are feeling stressed, it impacts those around us too.” Kate highlighted.

It's good to talk

Mental health is just as essential as physical health. Normalizing conversations about mental health helps people speak up and get the help they need.

Kate revealed: “The Early Years Wellbeing Week website has a wealth of information for those working in the early years sector, including helpful links to charities who focus on mental health and wellbeing.”

“It’s important to understand that having challenges with mental health and wellbeing is normal.” she continued.

“We need to take every opportunity to discuss mental health and wellbeing in order to increase our understanding and awareness of the subject.”