Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Jess Grieveson-Smith

Leeds Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis surprises kids in Children’s Mental Health Week virtual assembly

Children’a Mental Health Week began yesterday, with the yearly tradition focusing this time on the theme ‘Express Yourself.’

As Matthew Lewis joined in, he made it clear he hasn’t forgotten his Leeds roots, as he showed pupils across the country how he expresses himself.

Showing a Leeds scarf, and talking about his Leeds United facemask and top, he hailed them as a ‘ice breaker’ and a ‘conversation starter.’

Currently living in America, Matthew told the children it is how he expresses himself and feels connected to his home town.

To sign up for our Leeds Live newsletter, click here.

Matthew told the children: “I’m living in America at the moment, and growing up, Leeds United was my passion.

“Football, or as it’s known here, soccer, isn’t loved as much, so when I talk about my clothes or people see them, it’s a great icebreaker.”

Many children have been separated from friends and worried about the pandemic as they learn virtually, making mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.

Matthew, who became helped with explaining mental health too, as he was asked as a successful wizard.

Matthew Lewis hasn’t forgotten his Leeds roots as he shows children from across the country how he expresses himself.Children’a Mental Health Week began yesterday, with the yearly tradition focusing this time on the theme ‘Express Yourself.’

As Matthew Lewis joined in, he made it clear he hasn’t forgotten his Leeds roots, as he showed pupils across the country how he expresses himself.

Duchess of Cambridge speaks out for Children's Mental Health Week

Showing a Leeds scarf, and talking about his Leeds United facemask and top, he hailed them as a ‘ice breaker’ and a ‘conversation starter.’

Currently living in America, Matthew told the children it is how he expresses himself and feels connected to his home town

Matthew told the children: “I’m living in America at the moment, and growing up, Leeds United was my passion.

“Football, or as it’s known here, soccer, isn’t loved as much, so when I talk about my clothes or people see them, it’s a great icebreaker.”

Many children have been separated from friends and worried about the pandemic as they learn virtually, making mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.

Place2Be is working with hundreds of schools across England for Children's Mental Health Week (Place2Be)

Matthew, who became famous for playing the clumsy wizard Neville Longbottom, helped with explaining mental health to pupils, as he was asked as a successful wizard, how he talks about mental health.

Matthew said: "When I'm asked this, I always think of the spell in Harry Potter called alohomora.

"It unlocks things, like doors.

"It's really important to open those doors whether it's mentally or physically.

"Being able to go out, keep busy is great, but also to keep talking about your emotions."

Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Now in its seventh year, it is hoped it will encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word.

Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools, using tried and tested methods backed by research.

The charity believes that children should not have to face mental health problems alone.

Last year, Place2Be worked with 700 schools in England, Scotland and Wales, reaching 380,691 children and young people.

Matthew Lewis has been very vocal about his love for Leeds United, and in September 2020, set up a podcast where Matthew was discussing how to build up a supporters' club in Florida, where he currently lives.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.