The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to visit The Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucestershire on Friday for part of her work on addiction and mental health.
Kate, who attended the film premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob Thursday night in her capacity as patron of Action on Addiction, was introduced to women who had used the centre, and listened to their personal stories and of how the centre helped them.
© Photo: PAKate visited the Nelson Trust Women's Centre
Speaking of her trip, the chief executive of the trust John Trolan said: "We know that she has a special interest in this area and she understands the needs of those using our services.
"We see her as an inspirational individual who can motivate our staff as they continue to work in this very difficult operating environment... Her insights are impressive and her interest is sincere and it's very obvious from the other work she does and the interest she shows on the area."
The Duchess also made a private visit to HMP Eastwood Park before visiting the centre, in order to learn more about how women prisoners and their families are supported. During her visit, she met with a few prisoners to listen to their stories.
© Photo: PAKate spoke to women at the centre about their personal experiences
Speaking of their work at the centre, John continued to say that he sees their role as "preventing women going into prison and if they have been there, prevent them going again. We seek to support them so they can turn their lives around… Everybody agrees that these women should not be in prison - they are low level offenders."
The award-winning centre - which helps over 500 women a year with a second site in the Swindon area - focuses on supporting vulnerable women, particularly those who have gone through trauma and abuse. The centre offers support for several different issues including emotional and mental health, drug and alcohol problems and finance struggles.
