Mental Health and COVID-19

Many of the practical and emotional challenges that people are facing during the pandemic can also be risk factors for mental health, with many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times. The Royal Foundation is working collaboratively with the mental health sector to support and amplify its incredible efforts to deal with the immediate and long-term impact of the pandemic on the nation’s mental health, and has embarked on innovative partnerships to signpost people to the support they need.

Since the pandemic began, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have consulted with experts from the mental health sector to understand the challenges facing individuals and charities at this time, both for frontline workers and the wider population – chairing roundtables on the topic and speaking with their patronages. Many of these charities have reported an increase in the numbers of people of reaching out for information and seeking help for their own mental health, indicating that the importance of good mental health is now becoming a prominent issue in the public consciousness, but also highlighting a growing demand for services.

The Duke and Duchess have narrated a new film from Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters campaign promoting the importance of self-care during the pandemic. This follows The Royal Foundation’s support for Every Mind Matters since it launched in October 2019. Watch the film below.

Heads Together continues to champion the importance of removing stigma around mental health, through innovative partnerships to keep people connected. In April and May, we worked with Radiocentre on the launch of ‘60 Second Support’, a national radio series in partnership with ten leading mental health charities, offering millions of people across the UK tips and advice for dealing with issues such as isolation, bereavement, conflict and self-care during the coronavirus crisis.