The Duchess of Cambridge has delivered a rare video address to highlight the importance of children's problems to prevent them getting worse in later life.
In the message, recorded to support the UK's first Children's Mental Health Week, Kate, 33, says that she and her husband the Duke of Cambridge have seen how many children struggle to cope with bullying, bereavement, family breakdown and other issues, which can lead to depression, anxiety, addiction and self-harm.
The mother-of-one said the stigma around mental health means that many children do not get the help they so badly need, and this needs to change.
Scroll down for videos
The Duchess of Cambridge recorded a rare address urging the UK to help mental health issues in the young
She made the comments in an online video for Place2Be, which provides emotional help and support in schools.
Kate, who has been royal patron of the charity since 2013, said: 'Through Place2Be I have seen the benefits of offering children support for their mental health in the safety of the school environment,' says Kate, who has been royal patron of the charity since 2013.
'Both William and I sincerely believe that early action can prevent problems in childhood from turning into larger ones later in life.'
Kate recorded her impassioned speech at Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital School in Beckenham, south London, to launch a week-long campaign by the charity.
And her video can be watched at www.place2be.org.uk/childrensmhw which also features tips and guidance for parents on children's mental health issues.
Looking radiant, the expectant mother - due to give birth to her second child in April - glowed in a blue £250-Jaeger tile-print silk dress.
In her video message, Kate spoke out about the damage that bullying and family breakdown can cause
Steal Kate's style in a blue Jaeger shirt dress
Here at Fashion Finder HQ we’re always keen to see what sartorial delights The Duchess of Cambridge has in store for us!
Making a rare video appearance in a recorded message promoting Children’s Mental Health Week for Place2Be, Kate wears a blue printed silk shirt dress from Jaeger.
A versatile piece, a shirt dress is a wardrobe staple that looks just as good teamed with heels and a blazer for work as it does with sandals and a floppy hat on holiday.
We’re loving Kate’s chic tile print one, the colour suits her skin tone perfectly; meanwhile the belted waist makes for a flattering fit over her growing bump.
Available to buy directly from the Jaeger website, follow the link on the right to snap up Kate’s dress now!
But in the inevitable case that it sells out, we've sourced some great alternatives in the carousel below. With picks from Tory Burch, RD Style, and DKNYC, we've got all budgets covered!
* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
...NOW GET ONE LIKE IT
The shirt dress, which belts around the waist, giving a glimpse of Kate's neat bump, has a subtle collar and a pattern inspired by architecture in Florence and the Portuguese city of Porto.
The Duchess is patron of two charities that specifically help disadvantaged people, Action on Addiction and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices as well as Place2Be.
Place2Be has also conducted a survey, which found that almost a third (30 pert cent) of parents of children aged between five and 18 admit they would feel embarrassed if their child wanted counselling in school, while more than one in five parents (22 per cent) would not encourage their child to take up counselling in school, even if they asked for it.
The charity aims to encourage parents to talk openly with their children about their feelings and help them to get any appropriate support.
The poll also found that fathers were more likely to say they would feel embarrassed (38 per cent compared to 23 per cent of mothers).
Kate (pictured during a visit to Portsmouth on Thursday) has been royal patron of the charity since 2013
The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured during a visit to Portsmouth last week) recorded her video message at Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital School in Beckenham, south London, to launch a week-long campaign
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'As royal patron of Place2Be the Duchess of Cambridge is a committed champion of issues related to children's mental health and emotional wellbeing.
'Her Royal Highness has seen that issues such as addiction, poverty, abuse, neglect, loss and illness of family members, can have a long-lasting and traumatic impact if left unsupported.
'The Duchess of Cambridge is especially concerned with early intervention mental health support for young people, to tackle these issues at the earliest possible stage, so that children have the brightest possible futures, as they deserve.'
Catherine Roche, chief executive of Place2Be, said: 'We're thrilled to have the support of our royal patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, for this important new campaign.
'By raising awareness of the benefits of getting support early for mental health issues, we hope to change attitudes and help reduce the risk of more complex and serious problems when those children reach adulthood.
'We'd encourage all parents and carers to take a look at the ideas and tips on our website about how to talk to children about their mental health today.'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured with son Prince George) are expecting their second child
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2954755/Duchess-Cambridge-records-video-message-urging-early-action-children-struggling-mental-health-issues.html#ixzz3RwQLyUX5
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
