The Princess of Wales discusses the power of relationships during visit to Anna Freud

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales visited Anna Freud, one of her charitable patronages, today (27 November) to attend an event exploring the power of relationships for building better mental health and wellbeing in children and young people.

Her Royal Highness has been the patron of Anna Freud - a charity that is transforming mental health care for children and young people through science, collaboration and clinical innovation - since 2016.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness joined roundtable discussions with experts from Anna Freud, young people, education staff and other guests. The conversation focused on how to create communities where strong relationships can flourish, children and young people’s wellbeing can be better supported, and mental ill health is prevented.

Research indicates that people who are more socially connected – whether that’s with friends, family or their wider community – have fewer mental health problems than those who are less well connected and are physically healthier, too.^1,2,3

However, young people in Britain are more likely to report feelings of loneliness than any other age group, with 70% of 18–24-year-olds reporting they feel lonely at least some of the time.⁴ And with 1 in 5 children and young people in England estimated to have a mental health condition, there is an urgent need for more opportunities for connection.⁵

The Princess met parents and carers helping to shape a new project to support knowledge and skills amongst health visitors and those who work alongside them. The initiative, led by Anna Freud with The Institute of Health Visiting and commissioned by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, will create an ambitious workforce development programme which aims to boost children's social and emotional development.

The programme will focus on how to make a difference for babies and children who are most at risk of reaching the age of five without the social and emotional skills they need for a happy, healthy life. The parents and carers had been taking part in a co-production workshop to make sure the programme is shaped by their real experiences, needs and priorities.

Professor Eamon McCrory, CEO of Anna Freud, said:

“Good mental health is grounded in relationships, whether that’s with parents, friends, teachers or other professionals. Strengthening these bonds is essential for protecting wellbeing and preventing mental health problems in children and young people.

“It’s been wonderful to explore ways we can improve these key relationships with our Patron, who is deeply committed to building wellbeing as early as possible. From providing more mental health training to professionals working with young people, to creating more opportunities for connection within schools and communities, we can create the conditions to help every single child, no matter their background, thrive.”

Emily Ravenhill, who volunteers as a Young Champion at Anna Freud and recently completed the charity’s researcher internship scheme, spoke with the Princess during the roundtable discussions.

Emily said:

“My table’s focus was adolescence and the role different relationships can play in protecting against mental ill health during this time, from peers and parents to teachers and community leaders. It was great to speak to the Princess, who was really engaged and asked interesting questions, demonstrating her commitment to building better mental health and wellbeing in young people.

“It was also a privilege to represent Anna Freud’s Young Champions on the day. As a young person, especially someone with experience of mental health difficulties, you don’t always feel like you have a voice. However, the charity is dedicated to centring young people’s experiences, and through this role, I feel truly listened to. Knowing my experiences are informing and improving care for others means a lot, while also helping me reframe what I went through more positively.”

Teacher and father-of-three Andy Apraku, 41 from Croydon, took part in the coproduction workshop with other parents and carers. Along with his 8-month-old son, Judah, Andy met the Princess and chatted about what good early years care looks like.

Andy said:

“It’s not every day you meet a princess, so I really appreciate Anna Freud giving me this exciting opportunity to share my ideas and views on how to improve care. It’s fantastic that the Princess is using her platform to highlight the importance of our earliest years, helping ensure young people can grow up to be the best versions of themselves.

“I got involved in this project because I don’t think fathers are always truly seen or heard. My daughter was born in 2018, just months after my mother passed away. It was an incredibly difficult time for my family and me. She wasn’t just the rock of our lives, she was the rock of our community. There aren’t enough words to describe how deeply her loss affected us. One day, a health visitor came to the house and asked, ‘Are you okay, Dad? Is everything okay?’ I was taken aback. None of our previous health visitors had ever directed that level of care or attention toward me. In that moment, I felt genuinely supported and I’ve never forgotten it.

“Ensuring both parents feel seen, supported, and well-informed creates a ripple effect, building stronger foundations, more consistency and ultimately better outcomes for children.”

About Anna Freud

To learn more about Anna Freud and how we’re transforming mental health care for children and young people visit, our About us page.