Princess of Wales and UCL academics take part in roundtable on childhood mental health

The discussions focused on how we can build the mental wellbeing of current and future generations. Professors Fonagy and McCrory spoke with Her Royal Highness about recent innovations in this field, including their advisory work with the Royal Foundation’s new Centre for Early Childhood, which was established in 2021.

Participants at the event included young people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The group reflected on how evidence-based research, clinical expertise and the experiences of young people can be united to create innovative new ideas and close the gap between children’s needs and the help they receive. Her Royal Highness also joined a group of secondary school students to talk about anxiety, which is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

Anna Freud used the occasion to launch their new ‘Let’s talk about anxiety’ animation and accompanying teacher toolkit, which will be freely available to secondary schools across the UK. Aimed at students in the early years of secondary school, the resource will help them to understand that anxiety is a normal emotion, as well as offering top tips for coping.

Professor Fonagy (Director of the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences and Chief Executive of Anna Freud) said:

“We were delighted to welcome our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, to Anna Freud to mark this very special event during Mental Health Awareness Week and in our own journey.

“Through working closely with Her Royal Highness in relation to the wellbeing of children, young people and families, I know how committed she is to helping the youngest members of our society to achieve a fair and equal start in life. The passion and knowledge she brings to our discussions on developing new ways to build the mental wellbeing of future generations at home, in school and in the children’s mental health workforce is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing to work closely with her on these important issues facing our society.

“Our founder, Anna Freud, was committed to helping the most vulnerable children and she was not afraid to challenge the status quo – a legacy we are proud to continue as we renew our focus on building the mental wellbeing of current and future generations.”

Related

• Professor Peter Fonagy’s academic profile
• Professor Eamon McCrory’s academic profile
• UCL Mental Health Awareness Week
• UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
• Anna Freud
• Access the 'Let's talk about anxiety' toolkit

Photo credit: Michaela Greene