Sophie, Countess of Wessex has had a busy day in the Southwest of England. Yesterday, she officially opened a primary school, visited the Balsam community centre in Wincanton, and the University of Bath’s Centre of Applied Autism Research.
sophie, countess of wessex opened Countess Gytha Primary School in somerset (royal family)
The Countess of Wessex officially re-opened the Countess Gytha Primary School in Somerset. The school recently moved to its current site after being destroyed several times due to flooding.
Sophie cut the ribbon at the main entrance and met staff members and pupils to discuss the move and the work of the students.
the countess of wessex chatted to some of the pupils at the primary school (royal family)
Sophie then travelled to the Balsam Centre in Wincanton to visit a community centre that aims to reduce inequality, and provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities for under-privileged individuals and the wider local community.
The Queen’s daughter-in-law was taken on a tour of the centre, introduced to beneficiaries, staff, trustees, and volunteers. She was also able to experience some of the therapeutic activities offered by the centre.
sophie, countess of wessex, cradles a baby at the Balsam Centre in Wincanton (royal family)
After her tour of the Balsam Centre, Sophie gave a short presentation at the official launch of the Well Wessex charities group. The Well Wessex group is a grouping of four charities, The Balsam Centre, Creativity Works, Heads Up! and Chard Watch, all of which are working together to assist in the recovery and maintenance of mental wellbeing.
On her final stop for the day, the Countess visited the Centre of Applied Autism Research at the University of Bath. The centre is the only university department in the country dedicated to researching autism.
Sophie launched the psychology employment spring-summer school at the university.
Exciting moment – launch of the @BathPsychology employment spring summer school with @jpmorgan and our special VIP guest! pic.twitter.com/Oyq6uaPyxT
— CAAR (@Bath_CAAR) November 1, 2017
Lecturers and researchers in the centre took Sophie on a tour of the building, demonstrated their research programmes and discussed some of their research findings, and introduced her to some autistic children assisting the researchers with their work.
Autism and special needs have been causes The Countess of Wessex has championed for a number of years, trying to help ensure those with such conditions can live life to the full, and receive the support they need.
More on today’s Royal visit from HRH The Countess of Wessex learning all about our #autism research with @Bath_CAAR https://t.co/1hMSd8N30a pic.twitter.com/eMIwdDjlsH
— University of Bath (@UniofBath) November 1, 2017
Yet another busy day for a member of our hard-working Royal Family.
