The Princess of Wales is praising the commendable efforts of health visitors, as her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood reveals that over half of the UK population has little or no understanding of their role. To shed light on the vital work of these medical professionals, Kate has released a stylish new video as part of her Shaping Us campaign. In the four-minute clip, viewers witness Kate shadowing health visitors, gaining a deeper insight into their essential job during various engagements over the past few months. One visit took her to Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in March, where she met with members of the health visiting team, observed clinical appointments, and conducted a home visit with a local family. Kate expressed how this service often goes unnoticed because it occurs behind closed doors, within people’s homes. The video was released alongside the second report from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s 2023 Public Perceptions Survey. This report focuses on public understanding of the early years sector and specifically highlights the importance of health visitors. The survey data reveals a lack of understanding about the role of health visitors and the breadth of their work. More than half of the UK public (56%) have limited knowledge about the role of health visitors. Among those who are aware, the majority associate health visitors with support in feeding and health reviews. The survey found that only 40% of those familiar with health visitors connect the role to supporting maternal, child, and family mental health, parent-child relationships, and a child’s social and emotional development — crucial aspects of their work that directly contribute to long-term child development. Health visitors are specialized nurses who collaborate with families during pregnancy and the first five years of a child’s life to address their specific health and well-being needs. They support the health and development of children, as well as the well-being of parents and caregivers, to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life. Kate emphasized the critical role health visitors play in bridging the gap between health and education systems for parents, particularly as they navigate the journey of their first child. She praised health visitors for building relationships with families and witnessing the real-life challenges they face. Kate believes that families need support more than ever, and it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the remarkable role played by health visitors nationwide. The video also includes interviews with health visitors and footage of the parents they support from the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust is participating in a £50,000 NHS project funded by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The project aims to equip health visitors with additional skills to help parents and caregivers understand their child’s emotions. Recently, Kate visited Riversley Children’s Centre in Nuneaton to meet health visitors participating in the study. Kate’s involvement with health visitors is part of her Shaping Us campaign, a long-term initiative to increase public awareness of the critical importance of early childhood and the role we all play in transforming the lives of young children. During the first five years of life, from pregnancy to early childhood, our brains develop faster than at any other time. Our experiences, relationships, and environment during this period shape our lives significantly. Professionals such as midwives, health visitors, and early years practitioners, along with the broader community, have a crucial role to play in caring for babies, young children, and supporting their parents and caregivers. By collaborating with individuals from various sectors, including the early years workforce, the Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood aim to create a network of shared knowledge and best practices that can drive real, positive change in the early years. Kate has previously dedicated her time to gain a practical understanding and working knowledge of the support midwives provide to families across the country. In November 2019, she spent two days at Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit, accompanying community midwives on their daily rounds and visiting hospital clinics and post-natal wards.
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