The Duchess of Cambridge visits Gloucester

The Duchess of Cambridge has been focusing on themes of support available for vulnerable women and their families during a visit to Gloucester.

Her Royal Highness visited HMP Eastwood Park, a women's prison where she was able to learn more about the support available to women prisoners and their families living with complex social issues.



Staff from Eastwood Park explained the complex and diverse needs of the women they work with, many of whom experience mental health concerns, family breakdowns and addiction issues. Her Royal Highness also met a small number of female prisoners to hear their personal stories.



Following the visit The Duchess went to The Nelson's Trust Women's Centre, an organisation which provides support to vulnerable women and works closely with Eastwood Park to provide ongoing support to women and their families, on departure from prison.

The Centre was set up in 2010 and is designed to support women who have vulnerabilities, particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Women are supported both practically and emotionally in areas such as physical, emotional and mental health, drugs, alcohol, trauma, abuse, sexual exploitation and sex-working.

The Nelson's Trust operates a separate second centre in Swindon and together the two centres provide support to more than 500 women each year, across Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

During the visit Her Royal Highness met members of staff and volunteers who deliver this vital support. The Duchess was also able to speak to women who have accessed the Women's Centre, and hear of their own personal experiences.