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What is Happy Little Minds? All about Kate Middleton's mental health program for kids
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has announced a pilot program as part of her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The project, called 'Happy Little Minds,' aims to support the emotional and social development of preschoolers in the underprivileged parts of London. The pilot program was announced amid Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. Kate Middleton's new project underscores how she has long championed the importance of social and emotional development in toddlers and young children, a post on the Centre for Early Childhood's website stated.
The initiative marks a collaboration between leading children's charities Barnardo's and Place2Be, which is one of the key charities supported by Kate Middleton. Under the Happy Little Minds pilot program, mental health practitioners will provide bespoke training and ongoing consultation for almost 50 early education practitioners.
The training will be related to emotional and social development. Two nurseries in Tower Hamlets and Hackney have been chosen for the program. The mental health practitioners will also provide parents with guidance. They will work directly with some families. Around 150 babies, young children and their families are expected to benefit from the pilot. The initiative starts in June and will take place for 12 months.
The Centre for Early Childhood published The Shaping Us Framework earlier this year. The document aimed at increasing awareness of and knowledge about social and emotional skills to inspire society to action. The initiative was part of the Princess of Wales' efforts to create a happier, healthier society, the centre's official website states.
Christian Guy, the Executive Director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said, 'If settings are well-supported to promote social and emotional development in babies and young children, there is huge potential to positively impact all children, and for early intervention and prevention of future mental health conditions in those most at risk, which could be truly transformational both for individuals and society.'
The Shaping Us National Symposium in November 2023 was the starting point for the initiative. Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be, held a discussion with an infant mental health expert from Barnardo's about the idea. They then approached the Royal Foundation for funding.
The foundation bankrolled a trial for an observation tool known as the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) in 2023 to help families better understand how babies express their feelings. Following positive results from phase one, the tool was expanded to eight National Health Service sites. The pilot will run till 2026.
Also read: Kate Middleton apologises to Prince William after winning yacht race in resurfaced video. Watch
In May, the Princess of Wales dropped a video on Instagram during Mental Health Awareness Week to talk about 'humanity's longstanding connection to nature.' The video featured Kate Middleton and her husband, Prince William, enjoying the outdoors.
Take a look at the post here:
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
The post came as Kate Middleton resumed her royal duties following her battle with cancer.
It is an initiative launched by Kate Middleton's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. She is now in remission.
It is one of the leading children's charities supported by Kate Middleton.
