Duchess Catherine has launched Children’s Mental Health week in the UK with an important message for all parents.
The expecting mum-of-two has released a video message with children’s mental health charity Place2Be, who the 36-year-old has been a patron of since 2013.
In the message filmed during last month’s visit to Reach Academy Feltham, the Duchess of Cambridge urges parents, teachers and carers to encourage children to “become to best versions of themselves.”
The expectant mother chatted to the youngsters on her visit to Reach Academy Feltham where she filmed her video message.
Wearing a Seraphine floral dress and speaking directly to the camera, the royal begins her message: “Childhood is an incredibly important moment in our lives. It is the time when we explore our personalities, discover the potential that lies within us and learn how to be ourselves. Our experience of the world at this early stage helps to shape who we become as adults, how we begin to feel comfortable in our own skin.”
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Children’s mental health and wellbeing is an issue close to the Duchess’s heart.
Kate’s warm voice continues over images of children playing at the school as she says: “Some children will be facing tougher challenges than others, but I firmly believe that while we cannot change their circumstances, we can ensure that every child is given the best possible support to ensure they fulfill their true potential.”
“This is best achieved when we, the adults in their lives, work together to give children the emotional strength they need to face their futures and thrive. Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents, we each have a role to play. When we are open and honest with each other about the challenges we face, we can work together to ensure the children in our care have the chance to become the best version of themselves.”
During the video, Kate spoke to students and teachers who shared their personal experiences with her.
One young student explained to the Duchess, “In today’s society it is quite hard and I feel like it’s hard to understand that what you see on social media shouldn’t be what you think you should be.”
Mental health, especially children’s wellbeing, is an important issue for the Duchess who last month, also launched Mentally Healthy Schools, a program in the UK that will provide online resources for teachers and school staff to help students struggling with the challenges of growing up.
Inspired by her own children, the pregnant royal’s aim with her mental health work is to ensure all children, regardless of background, have the best opportunity for a productive childhood.
