Family Action, which is celebrating 150 years in 2019, supports vulnerable children and families through some 150 local and national services, as well as supporting professionals and organisations through training and consultancy. They currently work directly with over 45,000 families. The charity is steeped in royal history. The Queen became Royal Patron of the charity in 1953, upon the death of Queen Mary. The Duchess first visited the organisation in 2017; at the time many of us thought it a very strong contender for a future patronage. Given Kate's return today and the nature of their work, I expect we'll see Her Majesty pass it on in the near future.
The Palace said: "This visit furthers the Duchess’s research and work focusing on the support available for children in their earliest years. Working with a steering group of leading practitioners and academics from a range of disciplines, Her Royal Highness is driving forwards a project to establish what more can be done in Britain to make a positive difference to the lives of children by focusing on their earliest moments in life, from pre-birth to infancy. The visit as hosted by David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, who is a member of the Duchess’s steering group." We're expecting to hear more about the project in the coming weeks.
People reports:
'Last year, Kate, 37, quietly brought together practitioners and academics from the worlds of neuroscience, mental health, nursing, perinatal care and education to form a new steering group. They have met several times behind the scenes to discuss what can be done to make a positive difference to the lives of children by focusing on their earliest stage of life, from pre-birth to infancy. Her hope for early intervention to help youngsters has been at the heart of Kate’s work on addiction, mental health and young people’s well-being.'
The Duchess was greeted upon arrival.
Their new service ‘FamilyLine’ uses a network of volunteers from across the country to support parents and carers virtually through telephone calls, email and text messaging. The campaign highlights the hidden ‘monsters’ that many families face, such as debt, addiction, lack of time together, relationship issues and mental health issues. The campaign aims to start a national conversation about the monsters that hide in the dark and grow when we don't address them.
During the visit, Kate viewed the campaign video.
FamilyLine aims to offer confidential advice and support to any family member who is struggling with aspects of family life.
They hope to offer immediate and long-term guidance. Research commissioned by Family Action found 32% of those surveyed want to speak to someone about financial, parenting and relationship issues. The service will run weekday evenings and weekend mornings and is accessible via phone, text or email.
Kate spoke to staff and volunteers about the new service.
Kate asked volunteers about the process of helping a caller from the first point of contact. She also touched on the importance of parental help after the first year. "You get a lot of support with your baby, particularly as a mother in the early days up to the age of about one, but after that there isn't a huge amount". Kate added: "Everybody experiences the same struggle".
A video from the engagement including the quotes referenced above.
A video from the engagement including the quotes referenced above.
More from ITV's Chris Ship:
Ms Sarkar, a mother-of-three, said about Kate’s parenting comment: “I think it makes her human, it makes her in touch. She’s a parent, a very active parent, and I think that’s what people like about her. “Why she’s a great supporter of our service is that she does recognise that families have the same pressures and struggles and she’s no exception. She may have slightly different circumstances to the rest of us but, you know, being a parent is being a parent.”
A group of young carers shared their experiences.
If you would like to find out more about Family Action's incredible work or donate please click here.
The Duchess received flowers from Helena, a 13-year-old carer who looks after her mother.
A wave from Kate as she departs.
A wave from Kate as she departs.
The Duchess selected a bespoke version of the elegantly tailored Beulah London Yahvi Midi Dress for the engagement. Note, Kate's dress doesn't have the fluted detail on the sleeve.
The £550 piece is currently available for pre-order:
'The Yahvi Tailored Midi Dress is now available for pre-order, exclusively at beulahlondon.com.
This tailored crepe below-the-knee dress has a slim fitting sleeve adorned with covered buttons, with a fluted frill cuff detail. Fitted at the waist with a full midi length skirt, this dark green dress has covered button detailing to the side with a split opening that falls just above the knee.
This style is due to arrive in 6 weeks time and is available on pre-order only. Produced in 100% Wool Crepe Fabric.'
Simon Perry reports on Beulah London's mission to empower women:
'Founders Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan traveled to Delhi, India, in 2010 for a volunteer mission where they encountered victims of human trafficking in a government-run safehouse.
“We experienced first hand the awful effects that modern day slavery imposes on innocent lives. But we also learned how by helping others find opportunities and employment, small acts of kindness can carry a truly significant impact of providing hope for the future,” according to the brand’s website.
In addition to donating 10 percent of profits from their Beulah Heart products to the UN Blue Heart Campaign, Beulah provides jobs and education to victims of human trafficking.'
Kate teamed the dress with her green croc embossed belt. Kate's worn the piece on a number of occasions since 2014.
Kate carried her L.K. Bennett Dora khaki suede clutch.
And her dark olive green Gianvito Rossi 85 pumps.
Kate completed the look with her Kiki McDonough green amethyst and diamond cushion drop earrings.
We'll see you later this week with the start of the 'Best of 2018' fashion polls!
