Duchess of Cambridge records personal message in support of Children's Mental Health week

Patrick Grafton-Green5 February 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge has encouraged children to be comfortable in their own skin in a personal message recorded to help launch Children’s Mental Health Week.

Kate, who has been a patron of children's mental health charity Place2Be since 2013, filmed the video message during a visit to Reach Academy Feltham, west London, last month.

She added that adults should help spur children on to be the best versions of themselves.

The Duchess, who is pregnant with her third child, said: "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."

Kate meeting children during a visit to Reach Academy Feltham
PA

Her words tie in with a new campaign by Place2Be - called Being Ourselves - which helps youngsters tackle low self-esteem and create a positive image of themselves.

Some children compare themselves negatively to others, especially online, according to Place2Be.

The Duchess spoke to pupils, parents and teachers about the impact of the scheme which tries to spot potential problems early and give support in familiar surroundings.

Low self-esteem affects more than eight in 10 of the pupils who get Place2Be's one-to-one help.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been a patron of the children's mental health charity Place2Be since 2013
PA

Kate said: "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."

Children's Mental Health Week takes place this week
PA

Place2Be chief executive Catherine Roche 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."

Ed Vainker, Principal at Reach Academy Feltham, added: "The week, and the interest and commitment of the Duchess offers an opportunity to celebrate the great work done by schools, parents and other groups around the country to support young people to become confident, resilient adults."

Children's Mental Health Week runs from February 5 until February 11.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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