The Duchess of Cambridge has taken on a new top role with a charity dedicated to helping women and families affected by mental health challenges from being pregnant and having children.
Future queen Kate is today announced as the Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, the UK wide organisation which brings together over 100 organisations to help those struggling with mental health issues.
In a video marking her new role, during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week [2nd – 8th May] The Duchess outlined the importance of being able to reach out for vital support.
Mum of three Kate, 40, said: “The birth of a child is one of life’s greatest gifts.
“But it can also be one of the most challenging times for many families and one that should not be faced alone.
“This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is about the power and importance of connection.
“The past couple of years have reminded us just how much we need each other and how vital our relationships are to our long-term health and happiness.
“This starts in the very earliest years of our lives, when we need close and continuous care from the people around us to nurture our development and ensure that we get the right start in life.”
Stats show that around 1 in 5 women in the UK are reported to experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or in the first years after giving birth and 70% of women are thought to hide or underplay their illnesses surrounding pregnancy.
Kate added: “No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time. It is crucial, therefore, that all those who might be struggling are given the right support at the right time, so that they’re able to share these feelings without fear of judgement and can access the information, care and support they need to recover.
“Much of this vital work has been led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a fantastic organisation of which I am extremely proud to become Patron of today.
“There is plenty more to be done.
“And it’s down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today.
“Because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier and more nurturing society which benefits us all.”
One of the pillars of Kate's work over recent years has been the early development of children.
In June 2021, The Duchess of Cambridge launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she hopes will drive awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years, in order to transform society for generations to come.
Luciana Berger, Chair of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance said: “The Maternal Mental Health Alliance is honoured and delighted that The Duchess of Cambridge has recognised and chosen to support our work by becoming our Royal Patron.
“The Duchess’ longstanding dedication to the Early Years and keen interest in mental health marry beautifully with the Alliance’s mission to ensure every mum, baby and family affected by perinatal mental health problems can access the right care and support necessary.
“We look forward to working with The Duchess to make this goal a reality for all.”
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week was first launched in 2017 by the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK (PMHP UK), a member organisation of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.
