It seems that the British kingdom has really found a new champion for women’s rights and empowerment in Catherine Elizabeth ‘Kate’ Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. And she seems to be following the footsteps left behind by her late mother-in-law, Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales.
The wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has been very busy with a lot of things over the last couple of days and most of her schedules are filled with socio-civic activities meant to reinforce her commitment and support for mental health awareness among women.
She made two stops in Gloucestershire on November 4 to show her support for women who were suffering from mental illnesses as a result of traumatic abuse and addiction.
The Duchess of Cambridge first visited the women’s prison facility in HMP Eastwood Park before proceeding at the Nelson Trust Women’s Center, details E! Online.
A good grasp of the situation
During her visit at the women’s center, which either phases in women who have completed their prison sentence and are about to go back to the communities or help prevent them from continuing on their downward spiral, an official of the facility praised Kate Middleton for her good grasp of the overall situation.
It was Niki Gould, head of women’s community services at the Nelson Trust Women’s Center, who said that the Duchess of Cambridge has a very good insight into the vulnerabilities of women in the UK criminal justice system.
Gould, who also accompanied Kate Middleton in touring the facility, enthused that the royalty really gets that the government and the private individuals or groups need to support these women as they try to return to their normal lives.
The Nelson Trust Women’s Center was established in 2010 and works hand-in-hand with the prison facility in order to support women who have vulnerabilities, particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma.
Kate discussed important issues with members of the staff at the center, including prison in-reach and social inclusion support, the sex worker outreach project, and rural outreach to young girls at risk. She also spoke with women who have sought support at the center to learn about their stories.
Interested in their plight
Natasha Penhale, one of the more outspoken ladies in the women’s center, along with her four-year-old daughter Tilly, also presented a bouquet of flowers to Kate.
Penhale told the media after the visit that the Duchess was not only beautiful, she was really interested in hearing from the women in the center. She added that Kate Middleton was so engaging and came across to all of them as very caring.
John Trolan, the chief executive of the women’s center, affirmed the general observations on Kate Middleton during her visit by saying that the Duchess of Cambridge was a genuine inspiration to the staff and it has made a huge difference for her to take the time to come to the center.
Trolan added that Kate Middleton has been fantastic and they are all pleased as a punch that she came to listen to their concerns.
He also sees Kate Middleton as an inspirational individual who can motivate the center’s staff as they continue to work in a very difficult operating environment. He added that their main role is to prevent women from going to prison and if they have been there, prevent them from going again. He explained that they are seeking to support women so they can turn their lives around for the better.
During a meeting with some women who have used the center’s facilities and support, Kate also cooed over two babies, one girl who was asleep in her mother’s lap and a four-month-old boy called Gabriel, who was with his mother, Hlengiwe Sithole.
Sithole has been getting help at Nelson Trust Women’s Center since leaving prison in October last year.
Kate told the women at the center that it is really great to have everything under one roof and have the expert advice in the facility. She said that it must be a great support.
Just before Kate Middleton unveiled a plaque marking her visit, John Trolan praised her commitment and passion on behalf of the women at the center and the morale boost the visit would bring to the staff.
He then had Kate in fits of laughter as he said that two weeks ago they had Russell Brand visit and for reasons beyond him they still haven’t got over that. So he said he really does not know how they’re going to handle all the excitement of the Duchess’ visit, details the Daily Mail of UK.
Kate wore her hair in its signature glossy blow-dry, certainly seemed in good spirits as she was greeted by the center’s managers.
She also proved that she was down-to-earth as she scooped up her own bottle of water after dropping it when exiting her Range Rover upon her arrival at the center.
During her morning visit at the HMP Eastwood Park, she also learned more about what support is available to women prisoners and their families living with complex social issues.
The Duchess met with staff from HMP Eastwood Park who explained the complex and often diverse needs of the women they work with including mental health concerns, family breakdowns, and treatment for addiction. She also met with a small number of women prisoners to hear their personal stories.