Thursday 19 November 2015

Kate speaks out

This one was definitely a speech. Just hours after the Duchess of Cambridge took to the stage at the Fostering Network Awards and made a mini speech, she was back in front of the microphone talking about challenges close to her heart. And this big public appearance was all about the mental health issues that can face young people.


The Duchess of Cambridge meets some of the schoolchildren attending the Place2Be conference in London
(photo Kensington Royal Instagram)

Kate was opening the Place2Be headteachers' conference in London and she told those present that getting help to vulnerable young people early was of vital importance. Kate said 'I have seen time and again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges'.




The Duchess' speech touched on many of the challenges facing parents and teachers as they try to guide children and young people. Kate also said 'I am sure you will agree that all children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives. The basic qualities are so much more valuable than the always changing material and social concerns that can seem so important to young people.'





The Duchess of Cambridge is patron of Place2Be which provides emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools. The conference brought together headteachers from across the UK and their focus was on the role schools and teachers can play in tackling mental health problems.






There's no doubt the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge helped to put even more of a spotlight on the issues being discussed by Place2Be. She has now spoken out about two major issues affecting young people in just under 24 hours. And some of Kate's words summed up the spirit of the event, and her work on mental health issues affecting young people, as she said 'it is our duty, as parents and teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future.'


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