The Duchess of Cambridge visited the Roe Green Junior School today to launch the new 'Mentally Healthy Schools' online resource as a part of the Heads Together campaign.
Kate Middleton has long been an advocate for kids' mental health, with much of her Royal Foundation work being focused on improving the well-being of young people.
"When we intervene early in life, we help avoid problems that are much more challenging to address in adulthood," the Duchess said in her speech.
"My own commitment is to the youngest and most vulnerable in their early years - babies, toddlers and primary school-age pupils - and to supporting those who care for them, including teachers," she continued.
The Duchess of Cambridge has arrived at Roe Green Junior School to launch the @Heads_Together 'Mentally Healthy Schools' online resource. pic.twitter.com/CtJh9mwCEg
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 23 January 2018
Indeed, as many as one in 10 young children experience a mental health issue before turning 11, Kensington Palace shared on their Twitter.
Kate noted in her speech, "The ultimate goal is that no primary school teacher, anywhere in the country, should in future have to wonder where to turn when it comes to the well-being of children in their care."
We couldn't agree more.
According to People, the Mentally Healthy Schools website has been trialled in 50 schools across the UK. It is set to be available in every primary school in the UK. The Royal Foundation helped to fund the website with a £800,000 grant.
The foundation has collaborated with a number of charities and health experts to create this platform that will help young children be better equipped to deal with their mental health.
With as many as one in ten young children experiencing a mental health issue before the age of 11, HRH has put young people at the heart of @Heads_Together and her ongoing work with The Royal Foundation. pic.twitter.com/OfBzxnYnre
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 23 January 2018
During the visit, Kate sat down with kids in the classroom and took part in a project encouraging them to talk about their mental well-being. She also mentioned the importance of being able to open up about mental health in her speech.
"What we have seen first-hand is that the simple act of having a conversation about mental health – that initial breaking of the silence – can make a real difference," she shared, "But, as you here today know: starting a conversation is just that – it’s a start."
"I see time and time again that there is so much to be gained from talking about mental health and taking the mental health of our children as seriously as we do their physical health," the expectant mother said.
We commend Kate for her work to de-stigmatise the topic of mental health.
What do you think of the Mentally Healthy Schools initiative, mums?
