Duchess of Cambridge visits Lewisham to launch new family helpline

The Duchess of Cambridge has visited a Lewisham charity to launch a new confidential helpline for parents and children in need.

This year marks Family Action’s 150th anniversary of helping vulnerable children and families to relieve everyday struggles.

The Duchess has offered her support to Family Action’s helpline ‘FamilyLine,’ which helps anyone struggling with personal issues, from parenting and relationships to mental health and wellbeing.

The service aims to provide both immediate and long term support, practical information and guidance as well as emotional and listening support. The service also offers regular one-to-one support to parents who feel isolated.Calls, emails or text messages are answered quickly, and in confidence, by a team of trained volunteers under the supervision of Family Action experts.

Duchess of Cambridge visits Lewisham charity. Pic: Jemima Childs

During her visit, the Duchess spoke to young carers about their experience on balancing the pressures of school and caring for their families. With the right support, they can also have the opportunity to think about their own wellbeing, childhood and future.

The Duchess also heard about the new Family Action campaign, ‘The Family Monster Project.’ The campaign emphasises that every family has its ‘monsters’, such as debt, addiction or lack of time together.

Family Action Chief Executive David Holmes said: “We are so grateful to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge for visiting Family Action’s services today, for her interest in our work addressing family pressures and for officially launching FamilyLine. The Duchess’s support will encourage many more families to talk about their ‘family monsters’.”

Kensington Palace explained The Duchess’ visit furthers her work in supporting children, and she is currently driving a research project to establish what more can be done in and across the UK to give children their best possible start in life.

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