BE YOURSELF
Kate Middleton encourages children to be comfortable in their own skin in video supporting Children’s Mental Health Week
The Duchess spoke about how adults can help children by giving them the "emotional strength" they need to thrive
KATE Middleton has encouraged children to be themselves in a touching video in support of Children's Mental Health Week.
The Duchess spoke about how mental health issues affect people of all ages and backgrounds and the importance of talking about the issues they are facing.
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She said adults can help children by giving them the "emotional strength" they need to thrive.
In the video she 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."
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Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, has been a patron of charity Place2Be since 2013 and has worked with Prince William and Prince Harry in their Heads Together campaign.
"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," she continued.
"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.
"Schools and families occupy a special position at the heart of every child's life and that is why I am proud to support Place2Be's work this Children's Mental Health Week.
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"Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents we each have a crucial 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 versions of themselves."
Place2Be has launched a campaign called Being Ourselves to help children deal with low self-esteem.
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.
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"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."
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