The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone in one way or another. In addition to the incomprehensible scale of the worldwide loss of life, the effects of confusion, fear and social isolation cannot be overstated. The devastating effects are magnified for children, especially those suffering from mental health issues. May 10-16 marks Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. Kate Middleton, DBA the Duchess of Cambridge, has long promoted mental health, with a special focus on the unique needs of youth in the crucial "early years." Now, she has taken to the streets to amplify awareness of these most timely concerns. With hubby William in tow, the ducal duo toured three facilities offering youth services in Wolverhampton: the Way Youth Zone activity center, family counseling facility Base25 and HugglePets in the Community, which provides assisted animal therapy. The Way Youth Zone busies itself "offering young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with a disability) over 20 activities every night," according to its website. The royal couple participated in a variety of these activities, from the pictured ping-pong practice (where Kate demonstrated a crushing forehand) to archery to gardening to football (soccer, stateside). William lamented his choice of formal footwear when he was unable to keep up in "keepy uppies," i.e. keeping the football airborne using only one's feet. While mental health is undoubtedly an extremely serious issue, Kate and William's outing demonstrated the crucial importance of fun in the maintenance of well-being. In fact, from the looks of it, everyone involved had a ball. A royal ball.

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