The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support mental health awareness week
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (18th – 25th May) with a special message broadcast to over 20 million radio listeners across the UK, highlighting the importance of talking about mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Their Royal Highnesses led the Mental Health Minute, a minute-long message produced by Radiocentre and Heads Together, which was broadcast simultaneously across every radio station in the UK at 10.59am today (Monday 18th May).
Joined by England captain Harry Kane, singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, actor David Tennant and two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, Their Royal Highnesses’ message focused on how people can support each other during the Covid-19 crisis, highlighting that, whoever you are and whatever you’re going through, you are not alone – and it’s OK to reach out.
“If you’re struggling, it’s important to talk about it. Or if someone you know is acting differently, it’s OK to ask how they are. Use this moment to send a message.”
– The Duchess of Cambridge
Coinciding with the release of the Mental Health Minute, Heads Together and Instagram have partnered to launch the ‘Heads Together Wellbeing Guides’.
The new Instagram ‘Guides’ feature, launching later today, allows users to discover curated, reliable recommendations from individuals and organisations. In response to the potential effects of the pandemic on people’s mental health, the first-ever Instagram Guides will be focused on wellness and mental health content to support people during Covid-19.
Each of the UK guides will be curated by Heads Together, and will signpost UK users to reliable, positive content that supports their mental wellbeing. The three Heads Together guides will go live on Instagram later today, including A Guide to Talking, A Guide to Self-Care, and a Guide to Kindness.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, Heads Together will champion the work of its eight charity partners, who have decades of experience in tackling the stigma around mental health in the UK – including The Anna Freud Centre, Best Beginnings, CALM, Contact, Mind, Place2Be, The Mix and Young Minds.
This activity also comes days after the one-year anniversary of Heads Together’s legacy project, Shout, a free text messaging service which provides 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
“We’re all connected. And sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference. So right now, let’s join together across the UK and reach out to someone.”
– The Duke of Cambridge
