The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Wolverhampton in the West Midlands on Thursday to raise awareness about mental health well-being in children and young people. The royals, who will take part in a national radio campaign tomorrow to mark the end of the UK’s National Mental Health Awareness Week, visited three local organizations where they joined in a game of table tennis. William showed off his football skills and Kate took the lead when it came to a game of archery and potting a plant at “The Way Wolverhampton Youth Zone,” a local youth organization which works to transform the lives of young people.
William joked that his footwear had held him back in a challenge of “keepy uppies,” while Kate proved an expert shot during the game of archery.
The couple have become ambassadors for Britain’s mental health awareness campaign and have been busily supporting the Mental Health Foundation’s annual awareness campaign. This year’s theme centers on nature and how being in nature can improve poor mental health, something William and Kate both believe passionately in.
Kate has made children’s mental health the focus of her charitable work, and last year launched a nationwide survey in to the five key questions into children’s mental well-being as part of a major research drive in to the so called “early years.”
Dressed in a smart navy blue Catherine Walker coat and a polka dot blouse, the Duchess as well as the Duke wore masks for certain parts of the engagement. Despite the chilly weather they seemed thrilled to get involved in some of the activities and meet with young people and a group of Headstart ambassadors who told them more about the youth organization.
Tomorrow the royal couple will voice a minute long campaign called “Mental Health Minute,” which will be broadcast to over 20 million people across 500 radio stations. The couple’s Royal Foundation has been involved with the campaign which will support “Shout 85258,” a free and confidential support helpline.
William and Kate have focused heavily on mental health during the pandemic. Earlier this week the Duke visited the Croydon Custody Centre in London to hear about work being carried out across the Metropolitan Police to support the mental health of its workforce. Meanwhile some proceeds from sales of the Duchess’s new Hold Still photography book will go to the Mind charity.
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