NottAlone Live 2026: How to Participate in This Free School Mental Health Event

If you study in Nottingham, UK, or care about youth mental health, you may have heard of NottAlone Live. This event has already been held several times this year, and many of my classmates have said they found it rewarding. Here's a rundown of the key points for 2026 for those who need it.

What is NottAlone Live?

NottAlone Live is an annual mental health event for children and young people in Nottinghamshire, UK, co-hosted by NottAlone and the Mental Health Support Team (MHST). The event typically takes place during Children's Mental Health Week in February each year, is free, and is by invitation only, open exclusively to schools.

The goal of the event is clear: to allow young people to talk about mental health in a relaxed environment and to directly connect with local mental health service providers. According to the organizers, NottAlone Live aims to "engage young people in conversations around mental health and provide opportunities to connect with local providers of mental health services."

2026 Event Highlights

In 2026, in addition to the regular February session during Children's Mental Health Week, NottAlone Live added a special summer event in July with the theme "Self-Care Summer."

February Session

• Date: February 2026, during Children's Mental Health Week (9–15)
• Format: Invitation-only; schools can register to participate
• Content: Following the pattern of previous years, including interactive workshops, performances, provider stalls, etc. (Actual content subject to organizer announcements)

July Summer Session

• Date: July 7–8, 2026
• Location: The YMCA Community and Activity Village, Newark
• Theme: Self-Care Summer
• Participants: Children and young people from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
• Feedback: According to a Nottinghamshire County Council press release, young attendees responded very positively

Event Content and Format

While the detailed schedule changes each year, based on past reports and official information, NottAlone Live typically includes the following elements:

• School performances: For example, in 2025, Barnby Road Academy's choir performed, and a teacher described it as a "fabulous experience for our year five children."
• Provider stalls: Allowing young people to directly learn about local mental health resources, such as Kooth, Juno Women's Aid, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and others have participated.
• Interactive sessions: Activities guide students in discussing mental health, self-care, and other topics, providing practical tips.

How to Participate

NottAlone Live is an invitation-only event and is not open to the general public; participation is primarily coordinated through schools. If you are a teacher, counselor, or parent and want your child to attend, you can:

1. Contact the school to ask if they have received an invitation or are willing to register.
2. Check the NottAlone official website (nottalone.org.uk) or social media (Instagram, Facebook, X) for the latest updates.
3. Follow the Nottinghamshire County Council newsroom, as they release press releases about the event.

Note that spaces are limited, so schools are advised to express interest early.

What Past Participants Say

Feedback cited in official press releases shows the event has a positive impact on young people. A Nottinghamshire County Council press release quoted an organizer: "I get so inspired every year when I see all these children and young people at NottAlone Live and this year really is no exception."

Additionally, Sam Oliver, Safeguarding & Welfare Manager at Barnby Road Academy, mentioned that students "came away with a sense of increased wellbeing," indicating the event genuinely boosts children's well-being.

Why This Event Matters

Children's and adolescents' mental health is increasingly recognized as important, but many young people don't know where to seek help or are afraid to speak up. NottAlone Live creates a safe, fun environment where children can learn about resources, practice self-care, and realize they are "not alone."

If you are a teacher or parent, consider proactively learning about this event and encouraging your school to participate. Even if you can't attend, you can explore resources on the NottAlone website; they offer mental health information and podcasts for young people, which are excellent self-learning tools.

Finally, remember: event details may change, so it's best to check the NottAlone official website or the Nottinghamshire County Council newsroom for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

References

• NottAlone Live | NottAlone
• 'Self-Care Summer' brought to life by students at NottAlone Live - Nottinghamshire County Council
• Hundreds of young people come together to talk mental health and wellbeing at NottAlone Live 2025 - Nottinghamshire County Council
• NottAlone
• 'NottAlone' website set to improve mental health in Notts, launches on World Mental Health Day - Nottinghamshire County Council