Kate Middleton releases video message for Children's Mental Health Week

Kate Middleton has called on parents and school staff to foster wellbeing among young people in a video launching Children’s Mental Health Week in the UK.
 
In a message recorded with Place2Be, the organisation she is Royal Patron of, the Duchess of Cambridge reflects on the importance of supporting children during their formative years.
 
“Childhood is a time when we explore our personalities, discover the potential that lies within us, and learn how we be ourselves,” her message begins.
 
“Our experience of the world at this early stage helps to shape who we become as adults, and how we begin to feel comfortable in our own skin.”

Image: Place2Be
 
In the video, Catherine is seen speaking with pupils, parents and staff at Reach Academy in Feltham about the best ways to create an environment young people can thrive in.
 
“Some children will be facing tougher challenges than others,” the 36-year-old says.

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“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.”
 
The mum of two believes the best course of action is for school teachers, leaders and support staff to band together with parents to foster “emotional strength” in children.

Image: Place2Be
 
“We each have a crucial role to play,” she says. 
 
“When we’re 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 versions of themselves”.
 
Mental health is a cause close to Catherine’s heart, especially where young people are concerned. 

Along with husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry, she spearheaded the Heads Together initiative, which aims to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

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During a meeting at the Global Academy in 2017, she spoke of the isolation she felt after she gave birth to Prince George in 2013.
 
“It is lonely at times and you do feel quite isolated, but actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you are going through,” she told fellow mothers.
 
“It is being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out to those around you.”
 
Catherine’s Place2Be video comes five months after a similar message she recorded for another mental health organisation in September.

Children's mental health is a cause close to the royal mum's heart. (Image: Getty)
 
Launching the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families’ “You’re never too young to talk mental health” initiative, she advised parents on how to open up conversations with their children about their feelings.
 
"Encouraging children to understand and be open about their feelings can give them the skills to cope with the ups and downs that life will throw at them as they grow up,” she said.

"It's important that our children understand that emotions are normal and that they have the confidence to ask for help if they are struggling."