The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Newham Ambulance Station in East London to discuss front-line work during the pandemic, including finding out what different effects the pandemic has had on mental health and wellbeing.
Greeted by Chair Heather Lawrence, and Deputy Chief Executive Khadir Meer, and many of the ambulance staff and crew, William and Catherine
were given a tour of the facilities.
This includes a ‘Wellbeing Garden’ placed in the station’s corner where staff can spend quiet and peaceful reflection time after grueling shifts.
It is a welcome respite for those dealing with immense workloads and the stress of being away from family for long periods of time.
During the visit, the Cambridges learned how crucial the ambulance station is in providing support for all of their staff, including additional wellbeing spaces, drop-in sessions, and their largest initiative, a fleet of Wellbeing Tea Trucks.
The London Ambulance Service, in early February 2020, began sending out new tea trucks to hospitals and control centers all around London to distribute hot drinks and snacks to volunteers and ambulance staff as shops and restaurants were closed due to the pandemic.
As the royal couple discussed the impact isolation had on workers, one of the paramedics named Jahrin Khan asked William and Kate if they could FaceTime with the volunteer’s father Abu in Bangladesh. The Cambridges agreed.
Since the lockdown, Jahrin’s father has separated from his family because his mother became ill.
During the video call, William complimented Khan’s work ethic to her sister and grandfather while Kate said wished that the family could see each other again soon.
“It is very much appreciated that Their Royal Highnesses took time to visit and thank our staff who have worked throughout the pandemic often in very stressful and distressing circumstances,” Lawrence said.