The importance of giving our children the resilience to cope with the challenges of modern childhood was discussed at a high profile forum attended by the Duchess of Cambridge.
The event was hosted by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, and saw high-profile experts discussing topics including cyber-bullying, self-harm, addiction, and SEN.
Place2Be provides emotional and mental health support for 75,000 children aged up to 14 in more than 200 UK schools and Kate Middleton is the charity’s Royal Patron.
The forum brought together health and education experts, including Professor Stephen Scott from the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College, London, and broadcaster and former government advisor Professor Tanya Byron.
Benita Refson, Place2Be chief executive, said: “It was both a huge honour and pleasure to welcome the Duchess to our forum. We truly value her shared passion and commitment to supporting children’s mental health.
“Life can be tough for children for all sorts of reasons – from entrenched issues such as neglect and abuse, through to facing family breakdown and loss – and it’s critical that children have someone to turn to, who will listen.
“The main role of teachers is to educate children and help them achieve their full potential. However, their dedication extends beyond purely academic results to the overall wellbeing and mental health of their pupils and their families.”
Speaking about the debate, she added: “Tough topics were covered, but it was hugely inspiring and encouraging seeing experts from across education and mental health uniting.”
For details on the charity’s work, visit www.place2be.org.uk
CAPTION: Support: (From top) The Duchess of Cambridge chats with primary school pupils during the event, listens to discussions during the forum and speaks to one of the panellists, Professor Tanya Byron