Duchess of Cambridge releases video in support of children’s health charity

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared in a video for Place2Be this past Sunday, discussing the importance of the mental health charity. The video marked the start of the UK’s first Children’s Mental Health Week in history.

In the video Kate meets with four, understandably shy, but very eloquent young children from the Salusbury Primary School. The Duchess did not look out of place in the schoolroom setting, wearing a sober deep blue coat and skirt. She discusses how Place2Be helps the children and explains us the importance of their charities and what they offer children. Kate states that she believes schools, working with children and their families, are in a unique position to provide emotional support for children who need it. “This Children’s Mental Health Week we want to support schools to prioritise the emotional wellbeing of their students, alongside academic success”.

Kate is the royal patron of Place2Be and has worked with them for a while now. In a speech she delivered during the Place2Be Headteacher Conference in November of last year, she stated that she chose to focus on children’s mental health because she realises how lucky she has been to have had a secure childhood. “I have seen time and again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood frequently stem from unresolved childhood issues. This needs to change”.

Through Place2Be Kate seeks to offer children the tools to learn how to cope with life’s challenges and to ensure that they develop the skill set needed to deal with stressful situations. Kate recognises that not all children have access to the support they need. “Many of us are incredibly fortunate that the issues we face in childhood are ones we can cope with and learn from. But for some children, learning to cope with life’s challenges can be a struggle.” This is where Place2Be can provide help. “We are giving them a firm foundation for the happy, healthy future they deserve.”

Sally Wijers