The Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus ended their day trip to Northern Ireland with a visit to Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in the town.
The charity works in the area of mental health for youth and offers services and programmes to help young people navigate crisis periods and empower them in the long term to make “positive life choices,” according to the description of the organisation given by Kensington Palace.
Upon arrival, the royal couple was welcomed by a cheering crowd, among which were children from the local Acorn Integrated Primary School.
Once inside, the Baron and Baroness held a meeting with the charity’s staff, including some of the mentors and a few of the people the organisation is helping. They heard from both sides how the charity operates and the results it accomplishes.
During the discussion, the Princess of Wales was pictured holding a sleeping baby in her arms while she chatted with some of the people that work daily to ensure that local youth has the best support system possible.
It was then time to make some food after the cocktails that the couple had made at their earlier stop. William and Catherine made some “no-bake energy bites,” usually considered a quick and healthy snack after school.
Carrick Connect is a charity that “offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties,” according to their website. In June of 2022, they launched their newest initiative, “Feel Good Hub,” which promotes “physical and mental wellbeing” while “delivering activities that make other young people feel good, whilst allowing those running the Hub to learn leadership skills, build confidence and resilience, and have a voice in their local community.”
This last stop was consistent with the running theme for this day trip, as the Prince and Princess of Wales (or Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus, as they are known in Northern Ireland, with titles that were given to the couple by the late Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2011) focused on childhood and youth mental health, which will also be the theme for World Mental health Day 2022, on Monday, 10 October.
