The New Hampshire Children’s System of Care (CSoC) is now welcoming submissions for the eighth annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest. From now until April 26, students in grades 5 to 12 are invited to share original creative pieces that express their experiences with mental health. Magnify Voices, a CSoC initiative, aims to elevate youth voices, reduce stigma and inspire meaningful change in support of youth mental health.

The Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest began in 2019 to empower youth to convey their experience with mental health challenges through creative artwork. Since then, more than 600 entries have been submitted from Granite State youth sharing their voices and perspectives with the community.

In 2026, we're keeping an eye on several bills that could impact children's behavioral health in New Hampshire. Lawmakers really do want to hear from families, educators, providers, and advocates. Your perspective helps them see the full picture! Here's what you need to know about the legislation:

January is Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month. The observance of this month is dedicated to helping communities learn about the importance of SUD treatment, breaking down the barriers that keep people from seeking help, and supporting family, friends, and individuals contemplating or seeking help for themselves or a loved one. Here in New Hampshire, there is some great work underway to support youth and young adults experiencing substance concerns – including initiatives from Communities for Alcohol- and Drug-Free Youth (CADY), Wildcats for Recovery, and Getting to "Y". Wherever you live and wherever you are on your journey, The Doorway can help connect you to the substance use and recovery supports and services you may need and the level of care that’s right for you – call 211 or visit the locator map. 

Each spring, NAMI NH hosts an annual conference. Participants attend virtually from communities all around New Hampshire and are interested in learning more about mental illness. This includes broadening their understanding of ways to support each other, reduce stigma, advocate for quality mental health services and find needed resources.

Those we encourage to attend include parents or caregivers who have a child or youth with an emotional disorder, families who are supporting an adult or older adult loved one with mental illness, those who have a mental illness, military families, peer recovery professionals, individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide, families and individuals who are struggling with co-occurring disorders and the service providers who support recovery efforts in New Hampshire. This is an opportunity to learn, network and communicate messages of hope.

Focusing on your family’s mental health can be a struggle when basic necessities are uncertain. Families across the Granite State are increasingly challenged to secure family needs such as housing, food, heating, and other essential needs. Thankfully, organizations in every corner of the state are working to support NH families – learn more about their efforts: