The Duchess Visits Battersea Park To Support Parent-Powered Programmes

The Duchess of Cambridge today carried out engagements virtually and in person, focused on the importance of parent-powered support programmes.

This morning, the Duchess joined a virtual chat with volunteers and representatives from a number of organisations who run peer-to-peer support programmes. These included Home Start UK, Parents 1st UK, Island House Charity Community, Blackpool Better Start, Applied Research Collaboration, Coram Family and Childcare, and NCT - the UK's leading charity for parents. Kate said to them: "To you and your army of volunteers, a huge well done. Both William and I hear about how vital these relationships are to families – they’re a real lifeline. I like you would love to see it more embedded and celebrated actually in communities and in societies as a whole." Click here to view a snippet. 

Later in the morning, Kate met a group of parents and volunteers in the Old English Garden in Battersea Park in South London to hear about peer support via organisations including several of those mentioned above.

Parents discussed the impact of Covid-19 on that crucial support and how they can all lean on each other during difficult times.

A recent survey conducted by Home Start UK, Best Beginnings and Parent-Infant Foundation during COVID-19 found only around 3 in 10 parents (32%) were confident that they could find help for their mental health if they needed it, and 4 in 10 (38%) pregnant respondents were concerned about getting reliable pregnancy information and advice. Peer support has been cited as "really important" for one in ten women during pregnancy and early motherhood.

The Telegraph reports:

'This morning The Duchess spoke with representatives and volunteers from seven different organisations who run peer-to-peer support programmes. The Duchess asked them: "Does it help emotionally too? You feel less judged? "Everybody needs to have those friendships. It must be difficult to meet up socially-distancing." 

Afterwards Irma, who was referred to Home-Start after her 22-month-old son Emmanuel was diagnosed with Down's syndrome, said: "She said she was passionate about support for single mums through peer support." In conversation with Nalini Sadai and Jessie Brett who provide peer-to-peer mum support for the National Childbirth Trust, the Duchess said: "It's good being able to listen and being listened to while being off guard.'

The Duchess was delighted to meet Morgan Cassius and her six month-old daughter Makena Grace.

Hello! writes:

'Christine Thatai, 37, and Morgan Cassius, 29, told the Duchess they held daily 11am zoom calls with other mums via an app called Mush.

At one point, Kate removed her sunglasses and raised a smile cooing over Morgan's six-month-old daughter Makena-Grace. Morgan said afterwards: "I told her lockdown was difficult because I couldn;t go swimming or meeting friends just stuck inside with the TV." Christine said: "Kate was very interested in how we struck up friendships."

Kensington Palace said: "Today’s engagement follows on from the Duchess’s longstanding work around supporting families, and children in their earliest years. Since lockdown began the Duchess has spoken with organisations supporting vulnerable families, videocalled midwives and nurses, launched the BBC Education initiative Tiny Happy People, and brought British brands together to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 baby banks nationwide."

A video from the engagement with some lovely footage.

Kate chose a very stylish smart casual look for the outing. The Duchess' tailored dusky pink Marks & Spencer suit has proven an excellent purchase and versatile addition to her wardrobe. It proves a suit doesn't need to be designer nor expensive - however it does have to be a good fit. M&S have made great strides in women's tailoring which lends itself to a professional, wearable look.

The Duchess first wore the suit just before the Cambridges decamped to Norfolk during lockdown for a visit to the London Ambulance Service 111 control room in Croydon.

We also saw a photo of Kate discussing the pandemic with Place2Be from Kensington Palace. 

The £59 Wool-Blend, Cropped Trousers feature a zip, hook and bar fastening. Front pintucks and two functional side pockets. The exact pink hue Kate wore is currently out of stock. The slim fit style remains available in multiple other colours on the M&S website.

The Duchess' pretty top is the Lauren Ralph Lauren Nadalia style (with thanks to Heaven QRF). The £99 puff sleeve top is described: "This top from Lauren Ralph Lauren puts a new spin on the jersey top with a ribbed texture. Neat fitting with gentle puff sleeves, the square neckline adds an ultra-feminine twist." It's available at John Lewis and Ralph Lauren.

Kate wore her trusty Superga Cotu sneakers.

Kate accessorised with her Daniella Draper cupid hoop earrings: "These 9ct Gold Mini Cupid Hoop earrings are a definite must-have. Gold hoops are the perfect finishing touch for any occasion."

Kate's new necklace is the Double Strand Beaded Satellite Necklace by Welsh brand Spells of Love (with thanks to Middleton Maven).

A closer look at Kate's G, C and L charm necklace.

Kate wore her Halycon Days Maya bangle.

Kate's Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

The look was completed with Ray-Ban Youngster sunglasses.

As the UK faces a new wave of restrictions and a very challenging winter ahead, I do hope so many of the amazing organisations like Home Start can continue to provide virtual support for parents. The charitable sector has adapted with admirable determination and dedication, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so as we navigate these turbulent times.

Before I sign off, I have a request from a talented producer who is making a documentary entitled When Will and Kate Got Married which will be broadcast next spring to coincide with the Cambridges' 10th wedding anniversary. Lesley Shields tells me the programme will "be warm and nostalgic, simply letting people who were directly involved in the event in some way, tell their personal stories. We would also love to include some home video or phone footage in the programme, from people who were in the watching crowds and perhaps captured something special or funny or unusual". If you would like to participate in the documentary please email lesley@finestripe.com