‘Talking to someone can help’, Duchess tells young

THE DUCHESS of Cambridge is to urge schoolchildren to talk to a friend if they have a problem and to be kind to someone in need, when she speaks at an online assembly.

Kate will deliver her words of support on Thursday for the Oak National Academy – an online classroom providing video lessons and free resources to parents and teachers.

In the pre-recorded message, the Duchess will say: “Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member or teacher, is something you can do to make yourself feel that little bit better.

“And you can also play your part in helping others to feel better too, whether offering a friendly ear or helping someone in need.

“Small acts of kindness can go such a long way. But, as we help others, we mustn’t forget to nurture ourselves, by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too.”

The online classroom was created in response to the coronavirus lockdown and supports teachers educating their pupils remotely. Since its launch it has delivered more than 12 million lessons to children and young people.

The Oak National Academy is part of the Reach Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by philanthropists Mark and Wendy Wilson to help children in need, and the online resource describes itself as a community of school leaders, teachers and supporting team members.

Every Thursday morning it hosts assemblies for students across the UK, allowing them to experience the normal routine of a school environment.