shining a light on an important children’s cause. This week, the couple headed to the Foundling Museum, based in London, which tells the story of the UK’s first children’s charity, the Foundling Hospital. Initially set up in 1739, the establishment was a care home for children at risk of abandonment.
During their visit, the couple joined experts from across the sector in a round table discussion focused on the wider landscape of foster care in the UK, as well as challenges faced by young people leaving care, including mental health, addiction, employment and housing. The Duke and Duchess also participated in a bonding exercise with the group, which had them drawing images on the floor. Later, they heard from those who had had first-hand experience in the care system.
The Duchess of Cambridge is patron of the Foundling Museum, which explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, and celebrates the ways in which creative people have helped improve children’s lives for over 280 years. One of the main activities in the institution is to use the work of artists, musicians and writers do develop learning programmes particularly focused on marginalised and vulnerable young individuals. Therefore, it aligns with the Duchess’ interest in art therapy, a discipline used across several mental health charities backed by her.
During the visit, the couple was also made aware of the ‘Our Tales’ programme, which was set up to help young adults who have left foster care learn the skills to help with workshops at the museum, with it providing paid employment and valuable life skills.
