Duchess of Cambridge Kate decks the halls with William and Harry at Christmas party
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined a Christmas party for youth support volunteers today.
Kate and William arrive at charity Christmas party with Harry
The three royals, who are joint patrons of the mental health charity Heads Together, went to a party hosted by youth support service The Mix, to celebrate the volunteers and counsellors who support people through tough times in their lives.
Kate, 34, wore a red and green Vanessa Seward dress for the Larry at the Harrow Club in North Kensington, West London.
Before the party, William and Harry spent time with counsellors and volunteers, focusing on the work they do supporting young people who are suicidal or homeless.
The Duchess of Cambridge joined a charity Christmas party in support for youth volunteers
Kate, meanwhile, joined a live online chat about counselling with volunteers and young people from around the UK.
All three royals then met further groups of volunteers and counsellors.
The Mix gives young people aged 13-25 a helping hand to find their way through any challenge, from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.
Kate wore a beautiful Vanessa Seward dress to the charity party
The Mix is a charity that supports young people under the age of 25
Later William, Kate and Harry were going to the charity's Christmas party for the volunteers where they were presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award.
We’re delighted that Their Royal Highnesses were able to join us to celebrate
The Mix invited representatives from other charities under the umbrella of Heads Together, which campaigns to tackle the taboo on talking about everyday mental health problems.
The Mix is a national charity that offers confidential, multi-issue support to young people under 25.
Inside the club, there was festive fun. Guests built and decorated gingerbread houses and wrote messages on baubles to hang on the Christmas tree.
Kate joined a live online chat about counselling with volunteers
Seven of The Mix’s outstanding volunteers were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements this year supporting other young people. Many made the transition to volunteering after using The Mix’s support services themselves.
Among the young volunteers meeting the three royals was Louisa Futcher, aged 19, from Bordon, Hampshire. Louisa is autistic and has used The Mix’s support services herself since she was 14 and struggling socially at school.
Louisa said: “I’m so honoured to have my volunteering recognised by The Mix, it’s so important to give something back.
The Volunteer of year award is presented to George Yeorghaki
Duchess of Cambridge dazzles in Princess Diana's tiara
"I think it’s amazing what Their Royal Highnesses are doing for young people through the Heads Together campaign.
"Their openness has got everyone talking about mental health and that’s such a good thing – they’re making young people feel braver and less alone and we need that now more than ever.”
Chris Martin, CEO of The Mix, said: “2016 has seen the number of young people contacting The Mix who are struggling with their mental health rise even more.
The Duchess joins a live online chat about counselling with volunteers
"Every day we hear reports of anxiety, depression, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.”
He added: "The volunteers who work in our online communities and on our telephone helpline and counselling services are absolutely crucial to ensuring young people get the support they need.”
“We’re delighted that Their Royal Highnesses were able to join us to celebrate the achievements of our amazing volunteers and see first-hand how The Mix empowers young people to support one another.”