The Princess of Wales made a special visit to a National Portage Association registered Portage Service in Sittingbourne, Kent on Wednesday 27th September 2023.

As part of the Shaping Us Campaign The Princess of Wales met with families to talk about the importance of the early years and the critical time for child development that takes place in the first five years of a child's life.

She heard from Portage families about their experiences of raising a disabled child and the support they receive in the home through their Portage home teaching Intervention.  

Her Royal Highness met parents and carers, whilst playing with some of the Portage children, she heard about their day-to-day experiences of raising their children and the joys and challenges those experiences bring.

National Portage Association Chair, Janet Rickman, said:  “Her Royal Highness’ visit shines a vital spotlight on the National Portage Association.  We are so privileged that The Princess was able to meet some of our Portage families and spend time learning about the work we do.  This year is particularly important for us as it's our 40th year of the National Portage Association so it's wonderful that we can showcase Portage through the Shaping Us campaign and make sure that any parent with a child not meeting their developmental milestones knows how to access Portage support."

The recent Portage Impact Survey shows us that Portage Intervention provides invaluable emotional support, practical advice to families and helps to form a sense of belonging and community

To say we were honoured to have such a special visit is an understatement. A special thank you goes to the incredible children and families that attended the session - they were absolutely perfect!

So, what's this Portage all about, we hear you ask?

A huge spotlight has been placed on Portage this week as Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales visited families at a Kent Portage Service as part of the Shaping Us Campaign. 

Portage is a preschool home visiting education service for young children who are not meeting their developmental milestones.  It's a wonderful service that works hands-on with children but also works in partnership with parents to support them emotionally and practically.  But don't just take our word for it.......

Check out this video-