Building Belonging – How Can We Build Belonging for Others?

A reflective, individual or discussion-based activity that supports young people to explore how belonging is built through everyday words, actions, and choices, and how they can actively help others feel included.

About This Resource

Building Belonging is a thoughtful wellbeing activity designed to help young people move beyond personal reflection and consider how belonging is created for and with others. Using a clear visual structure based on building blocks or bricks, this resource helps teens understand that belonging does not happen by chance, it is built over time through small, intentional actions.

As young people grow, their awareness of social dynamics, inclusion, and exclusion becomes more complex. This activity supports teens to explore these ideas in a safe, non-judgemental way, helping them recognise the role they play in shaping how others experience school, friendships, and community.

Rather than focussing on what young people should do, Building Belonging encourages reflection, discussion, and ownership. Teens are invited to think about the “bricks” that help build belonging - such as kindness, respect, listening, inclusion, and support - and how these can be strengthened in real-life situations.

This resource can be used as a stand-alone activity or alongside this year's Secondary School PowerPoint, making it a powerful follow-on activity that builds the bigger picture of belonging.

Key Features

• Teen-focused belonging activity with a clear visual structure.

• Uses a building / bricks metaphor to explore belonging.

• Encourages reflection, discussion, and written responses.

• Supports drawing, writing, or short phrases.

• Inclusive, age-appropriate language for teens.

• Emotionally safe and non-pressuring.

• Suitable for individual, paired, or group work.

• Colourable and easy to personalise.

• Can be used independently or alongside our Children's Mental Health Week presentation.

What Young People Will Explore

Through completing the Building Belonging activity, teens are encouraged to think about:

• What helps people feel included and accepted.

• The small actions that can make a big difference.

• How words and behaviours affect others.

• What can weaken or strengthen belonging.

• How belonging is built within groups and communities.

• Their own role in creating inclusive environments.

The activity supports teens to develop awareness of how belonging is created collectively, helping them see themselves as active contributors rather than passive observers.

Benefits for Young People

• Builds empathy and perspective-taking.

• Encourages responsibility and positive action.

• Supports reflection on social behaviour.

• Strengthens understanding of inclusion and respect.

• Helps teens recognise their impact on others.

• Encourages thoughtful decision-making.

• Supports wellbeing through connection and purpose.

Benefits for Educators and Professionals

• Minimal preparation required.

• Clear structure supports meaningful discussion.

• Suitable for PSHE, wellbeing, and tutor time.

• Encourages positive classroom and school culture.

• Adaptable for different group sizes and time frames.

• Supports whole-school inclusion and values.

• Complements Children’s Mental Health Week themes.

Teens can work individually, in pairs, or in groups to discuss ideas and fill in the bricks. Teachers can encourage discussion, reflection, or quiet written responses depending on the needs of the group.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

The theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, This Is My Place, highlights the importance of belonging in supporting emotional wellbeing. For young people, understanding belonging also includes recognising how their actions affect others.

Building Belonging supports this theme by helping teens explore how inclusive environments are created and maintained. It encourages young people to think about shared responsibility, kindness, and community, aligning closely with the aims of Children’s Mental Health Week.

Building Belonging is a meaningful activity that helps young people understand how belonging is built through everyday actions and choices. It supports reflection, empathy, and positive behaviour, encouraging teens to play an active role in creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Use this activity to deepen conversations about inclusion during Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. Pair it with our Secondary School presentation to support a cohesive, values-led wellbeing experience for your students.