Princess of wales visits the trust
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust has marked Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May) with a visit from a very special visitor. Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales today joined the charity’s President and Founder, Dame Kelly Holmes at Percy Community Centre in Bath to meet some of the young people taking part in the Trust’s programmes. Students from St Katherine’s School, Pill, Bristol who are taking part in the On Track To Achieve programme, with athlete mentor, Paralympic gold medallist, Liz Johnson met The Princess to share their stories.
Her Royal Highness has long been a champion of prioritising mental wellbeing, including that of children and young people, and during her visit was keen to hear from the girls about their own personal experiences, and their thoughts on some of the challenges that young people face today finding confidence to go after the things they want in life, and finding the right person to talk to about your feelings. Equally she was very interested to understand how working with an athlete mentor has supported the students to better express their emotions, build resilience, and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Working in education, community and children’s hospital settings, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust puts world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures - it's a teammate like no other. Whether that’s building relationship skills, improving self-esteem or learning to stay focused, the Trust’s athlete mentors use their unique skillset from the world of elite sport to help the next generation move forward with confidence.
Olivia, one of the young people who shared their stories, talked about her love of English Literature at school, but added:
“I want to put lots of effort in to English, but I don’t always feel confident to do that. Some people have the power to do the things they want, but some don’t – if you can help people to have more confidence, they will do more.”
Recent research confirms this, with the Prince’s Trust Youth Index stating - young people remain positive (about the future), but they need help: 64% of young people feel they can overcome the challenges they face but need practical support to build their confidence and skills.
Dame Kelly Holmes said:
“I am thrilled that Her Royal Highness has taken this opportunity to visit us today and meet some of the incredible young people we work with. I believe strongly that every young person should have the chance to be the best version of themselves. To do that they need confidence, resilience and self-esteem, and this is the core of everything we do at my charity. Positive mental wellbeing is so important, and it is brilliant to spend time with The Princess who is clearly as passionate as we are about promoting its importance.”
Flora Slater, teacher at St Katherine’s School added:
“This has been such a special experience for the girls. They have been making fantastic progress with their athlete mentor, Liz, and it is so positive for them to have this opportunity to share their thoughts and have their voices heard.”
The On Track to Achieve programme at St Katherine’s School is funded by St James’ Place Charitable Foundation. Thanks to their generous funding, we have been able to support 300 young girls over the last three years to develop confidence, resilience and esteem all across the country.