Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support Every Mind Matters
The royal couple have done an interview with the BBC discussing the importance of looking after our mental health during the pandemic.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have supported Public Health England's Every Mind Matters platform, voicing a new film which signposts to NHS expert tips and advice around mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic. The film will be broadcast across national TV channels from Monday 20th April.
Their Royal Highnesses recently chaired a roundtable call with experts from leading mental health charities in the UK to discuss the sector's response to COVID-19.
Voicing the film, The Duke and Duchess said:
"All over the country people are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives. It's not always easy. We can feel frustrated, miss loved ones or get anxious. So now, more than ever, Every Mind Matters. There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing at this time. Every Mind Matters can help get you started with your NHS online plan. Showing you simple steps to help deal with stress, boost your mood and feel on top of things. Search Every Mind Matters to get your action plan today. We're in this together."
On Wednesday 8th April, Their Royal Highnesses chaired a roundtable call in which they expressed their thanks to mental health workers for supporting those who are struggling, and discussed the sector's view on the specific mental health support that is needed both now but also in the future to deal with the challenges sparked by the pandemic.
Speaking about the need for the sector to work together, Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind said:
"I think we're all completely in agreement about the significant mental health need that's coming up over the next few months. The only way that we're going to tackle that is by working collaboratively and addressing those needs, thinking about the groups that are going to need particular support at particular times, but also thinking about how we can work together. The collaborative spirit across the sector is really positive at the moment but I think that there will be a need in the coming months to think about how we can come together to offer something that's even greater than the sum of our parts."
The government has made a £5m fund available to mental health charities supporting people during this time, which Mind is administering. Charities can now apply online.
Mind has published a range of advice and information resources covering everything from coping with isolation to supporting your children's mental health to managing your mental health as a key worker.
We have also launched an appeal - please support us with a donation if you are able to.
