Duchess Of Cambridge Attends Headteacher Conference

The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Place2Be's, recently attended the charity’s annual Headteacher Conference in London.

The event aims at helping Headteachers from around the UK discuss the key issues and latest thinking on the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life.

This is the second Place2Be Headteacher Conference, which this year is entitled ‘My Head is Too Full’. It is targeted at school leaders who share a commitment to early intervention in children’s mental health.

It was on this topic that The Duchess spoke to open the event.

“I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children,” she said in her speech. "I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours.

“I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to.

“But of course many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.

“Parents, teachers and other school staff need the tools to help these young people early in their lives. And the earlier, the better. It is proven that early action prevents problems later in life.

“Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved – we could make such a huge difference for an entire generation.”