This morning, William and Kate visited OnlyConnect HQ for an uplifting visit. In their endeavors to support young people, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet with at-risk youth who participate in the organization. From our charity spotlight on the organization:
“Only Connect is a charity intended to create a positive community for prisoners, ex-prisoners, and at-risk young people to help them find their value. They do this through six different programs across London that provide training, support, and creative opportunities. These programs not only help the people involved but are intended to provide contributions to London as a whole. Each program is specific and unique. OC Central is the Kings’ Cross members’ club for prisoners. OC Impact is the crime prevention project for London schools and youth centers.
OC Create is the arts program that produces work created by ex-prisoners and at-risk youth. OC Inspire is the employment program for serving prisoners. Finally, My Gen is their youth and ex-offender program in North Kensington. Only Connect has “many missions but one vision” which is to help prisoners and ex-prisoners become assets to their community rather than liabilities. Only Connect wants to help them “create social value through their participation in positive projects and activities.”
Only Connect is a relatively new charity, founded in 2006, that is already making a huge impact on the London community. On November 7, they hosted an annual dinner in which London mayor Boris Johnson spoke. They are quickly gaining national support and funding. On November 19, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Only Connect offices and learn more about the projects and charities of the organization. Their visit will serve as a way to further elevate this up-and-coming charity and encourage the London community to get involved.”
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for her visit to crime prevention charity Only Connect http://t.co/YtfeWwScc3 pic.twitter.com/k01jxzJYJA
— HuffPostUK Pic Desk (@HuffPostUKPics) November 19, 2013
They also visited two complimentary projects created to support Only Connect’s work – Handmade Alliance, which trains ex-convicts in the textile industry to help them with employment and sells merchandise to support the cause, and Bounce Back, which offers work experience, training and employment.
Will and Kate also enjoyed a performance by members of the Only Connect organization. Members of these organizations performed dances, recited poems, and shared written pieces. They met with volunteers, supporters, staff and members of Only Connect, Handmade Alliance and Bounce Back. During their time at Only Connect, Kate received a babygro for Prince George of the Chubby Cheeks. She said that the 3-6 month size was perfect, as he was growing very quickly! (All together now, “awwwww!”)
Aaron Russell-Andrews and daughter Teegan give The Duchess of Cambridge an outfit for Prince George @onlyconnectuk pic.twitter.com/uVDgRnNVkd
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 19, 2013
It was a repeat outfit for the Duchess of Cambridge today! Kate wore a dress by Irish designer Orla Kiely which we have seen before. The brown, wool coat-style dress was debuted in 2012 for a visit to The Art Room. She stuck to her signature style – a fitted bodice with a full skirt, perfect for her body type. The dress is brown and gold patterned with tiny birds. Kate previously wore the dress in February 2012 to visit The Art Room.
Kate accessorized in a familiar way, sporting brown tights and her Aquatalia Royalty booties. She held an Emmy brown suede clutch, called the “Natasha” style, which we had also seen before. For the zillionth time, she accessorized with her Kiki McDonough citrine drop earrings.
Learn more about Only Connect
Support the organization
View our Charity Spotlight on Only Connect
Visit Orla Kiely’s latest collection
Shop Orla Kiely for Target
[…] Kate and William visit Only Connect […]