The Duchess speaks to pupils, parents and teachers about the importance of working together to support young people as they learn to be the best version of themselves during @Place2Be #childrensmhw pic.twitter.com/XiV09zOznS— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 5, 2018
The theme of this year’s campaign, which was created by Place2Be, is 'Being Ourselves' – encouraging children and young people to feel comfortable with who they are and celebrate what makes them unique. Low self-esteem affects more than 8 in 10 of the pupils who receive Place2Be’s one-to-one support, but when children are supported to have a positive view of themselves it can have a real impact on their confidence and can help them cope with life's challenges. Kate has been patron of the charity since 2013 and has carried out much of her work in support of children's mental health with the organisation. Last year, they become a Heads Together charity partner.
More from the Palace:
'In the message, Her Royal Highness highlights the importance of encouraging children to feel comfortable with who they are, saying: “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.”
The Duchess also refers to the role that all adults play in helping children become the best versions of themselves: “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 fulfil 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.”
The message was recorded last month during Kate's visit to Reach Academy Feltham, a school working in partnership with Place2Be. The Duchess, wearing her Seraphine Florrie dress, spoke to two Year 11 pupils, Lauren and Sophia, Mum of two Mandy, and Principal Ed Vainker. The pupils in the video have benefited from Place2Be's 'whole school' approach to mental health, which aims to create a culture of openness and confidence in understanding their emotions and feelings.
Children's Mental Health Week 2018 runs from 5-11 February. Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be said: "We know from our work in schools that some children find it difficult to think of themselves positively, as it's all too easy nowadays to compare ourselves negatively to others, especially online. "This Children’s Mental Health Week we are encouraging everyone, and especially children and young people, to focus on what makes them who they are, and to celebrate their unique qualities and strengths. We'll all face difficult times in our lives, but helping children to have a positive view of themselves can help them find the inner strength and resilience to cope with those challenges."
You can find out more about the week or find out about donating by clicking here.
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Vote for Kate's Best Tour Evening Look
William and Kate's tour of Sweden and Norway was a fun one, wasn't it? It's time for the first of our post-tour polls asking you to select your favourite ensembles from the trip. We're starting with 'Evening Looks', and while there are only three options, it goes without saying they were certainly...divisive choices. Perhaps none more so than the Erdem Stephanie Gown the Duchess selected for her first evening event of the tour. The silk dress comes in opulent gold Winterbourne print satin. The dress features jewel-tone florals, an Edwardian high collar, button-down bodice, bell sleeves and a detachable belt. The comments came in thick and fast with a resounding thumbs down for the look. It's always good to see Kate trying something new, but I think there was simply too much going on with this gown. The combination of the print, dull yellow hue, bell sleeves, high neck and trimmed skirt with gathered hem made for one very busy dress. It was accessorised with Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings and triple strand pearl bracelet, Gianvito Rossi burgundy pumps and the Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch.
Lastly, for the glittering dinner at the Royal Palace in Oslo, the Duchess choose a flowing blush Alexander McQueen gown with cape detailing and crystal flower embellishment around the neckline. It's a very regal gown and perfect for the occasion. Kate teamed it with jewels from the Queen, her Oscar de la Renta Cabrina pumps and Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch. I'm guessing it's not too much of a reach to predict we have our winner here... :)
We'll see Kate on Wednesday, when she officially opens a new Action on Addiction treatment centre in Wickford.
