Princess Kate's 'close to heart' Foundation launches funding drive

The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood-a cause close to Princess Kate's heart has announced funding for a pioneering mental health programme. 

Titled 'Happy Little Minds,' the initiative will introduce mental health specialists into early years education settings across the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

This year-long pilot is a collaborative effort between renowned children's charities, Barnardo's and Place2Be, aiming to enhance mental health support for around 150 infants, young children, and their families within nursery environments. 

Launching this month, the programme will provide expert mental health training and continuous guidance to approximately 50 early education practitioners operating across two nurseries. 

The primary objective is to foster social and emotional development during the formative years of childhood. 

Christian Guy, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said: 'Early education and childcare settings can play such an important and influential role in supporting children and their families at such as vital times, in all sorts of ways.' 

The Princess of Wales has long emphasised the essential role of nurturing social and emotional skills in early childhood development. 

This announcement comes in alignment with Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, underlining the vital need for mental health support during the earliest stages of life. 

This initiative represents the second pilot project funded by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, reinforcing its commitment to advancing early years wellbeing.