Duchess Kate checks in on university students' mental health as she makes surprise visit during COVID-19 pandemic

October 06, 2020

<strong><a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton>Duchess Kate</a></strong> has always been a big supporter of mental health initiatives, and she made an important visit to the University of Derby on Oct. 6 to hear how students have been coping with the <strong><a href=/tags/0/covid-19>COVID-19</a></strong> pandemic.
<p>The Duchess of Cambridge spoke with students about mental health resources and support at the school, and also stopped by to see the work those in the university's nursing program are doing to support mental well-being during this time.
<p><strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through, if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Kate's visit!</strong>
<p>Photo: © ARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP via Getty Images

Here's a better glimpse at Kate's look!
<p>Photo: © Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The duchess spoke to students <strong>Husna Hanif</strong> (centre) and <strong>Laura Oliver</strong> (right) about how they've been doing during lockdown and how they feel their mental health has been. Both said they'd found it very "hard not seeing friends" during the pandemic.
<P>Kate asked if they felt they had adequate support at the school, and they said yes.
<p>Photo: © Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate also stopped in to see the nursing program and learn about how it is helping students with their mental health during the pandemic.
<p>The school has been placing each student with a "buddy" who will help give them support during clinical placements and all sports programs have also received training to help students' mental health.
<p>Photo: © ARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP via Getty Images

Kate also wanted to make sure students knew about <a href=http://www.studentspace.org.uk>Student Space</a>, an initiative that gives young people at university and college 24 hour support via text messages.
<p>Photo: © Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images

We love seeing Kate step out to support students during this time! Recent headlines in the U.K. have seen students worried about increasing coronavirus cases since school started again last month. Everyone is having difficulties during the pandemic, but students face unique ones if they're living on campus – it can be difficult to get resources and vital things such as food in such a living arrangement. So we hope Kate's visit helps raise people's spirits and connects people with important mental health resources during this period.

She stepped out just ahead of World Mental Health Day, which falls on Oct. 10. The Royal Family have long supported the day with their own mental health projects and we can't wait to hear about all the things they have planned this year and over the next few months. It's important, especially right now.