A STUDENT has met the Queen Consort at an event at Buckingham Palace at a reception highlighting the threat of domestic abuse and violence against women.

Maddi Crease, a second year student at Southend-based South Essex College, was selected to attend the event organised by Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Maddi is a fire art student and works in participation and lived experience, meaning she uses her personal experiences of mental ill health at work.

READ MORE >> CCTV appeal issued in connection with Westcliff charity shop theft probe

She said: “I mainly train professionals and work on developing research and projects that help young people struggling with their mental health.

“I have worked in participation in some capacity for about four years now.

“I work for a children and young people’s mental health charity, who provide a variety of services, from treating young people directly, to training mental health professionals, researching mental health in young people and creating new tools.”

Maddi received the invitation to attend the Palace from a colleague.

She added: “I was selected as I have previously worked on a project for young women and girls which at times covered experiences of violence and abuse. I also have my own experiences directly relating to my gender, and to abuse.

“My colleague and I met and went to the palace just after midday, where we were part of a group of around 300 others in related work. We all gathered in the picture gallery, which was amazing for me as a fine art student.

“We were able to spend some time interacting with each other and learning about the valuable work going on across the UK. 

“The Queen Consort, Camilla, gave a speech on her learning of violence against women and girls and what her hopes were for our future. We had the opportunity to meet her, and briefly speak with her. 

“We were at Buckingham Palace for a few hours, with food and drink provided. The best part for me was hearing from others in sector and learning more about the work being done to help women.”

This event was the Queen Consort’s highest-profile effort to raise awareness about one of her most personal causes.

Maddi said that as a survivor of abuse, she felt greatly honoured to have her work recognised at such an event. 

She added: “It proved, as many things do, that there are new ways of life after these situations and that a person’s value is not determined by the actions of others, but by what they choose to uphold. It was a real moment of reflection for me.”