Kate and William launch £5million scheme to support Britain’s mental health during the anxious coronavirus lockdown
- Duke and Duchess of Cambridge urged people to follow health guidance
- Video calls to keep in touch with family and friends can help, they said
- Royals also recommended sticking to a regular routine and working on hobbies
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will launch a £5million scheme today to support the nation’s mental health at a time of high anxiety during the coronavirus lockdown.
They urge people to follow guidance from Public Health England by using video calls to keep in touch with family and friends, sticking to regular routines, and focusing on favourite hobbies or learning something new.
Kate and William said: ‘The last few weeks have been anxious and unsettling for everyone. We have to take time to support each other and find ways to look after our mental health.’
The Duchess of Cambridge pictured speaking on a telephone as she launches an initiative to support Britain’s mental health during the coronavirus lockdown
Minister for Mental Health Nadine Dorries, who has recovered from Covid-19, said: ‘I know how important it is that people have support to look after their mental health and this guidance will be of huge value.’
The Cambridges’ intervention is part of a Government initiative that will see £5million awarded to mental health charities to expand support services.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: ‘It is great to see the mental health sector working together with the NHS to help people keep on top of their mental wellbeing.
‘By pulling together and taking simple steps each day, we can all be better prepared for the times ahead.’
The guidance, which was developed with the input of mental health charities and clinically assured by the NHS, also has points on how to help children manage stress.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pictured during a visit to mental health charity Jigsaw
Published on PHE’s Every Mind Matters page, it includes tips such as being aware of your own reactions around children and creating a new routine for them.
There is also support for those who are already living with a serious mental health problem, such as how to access help from mental health professionals.
PHE said it is issuing guidance to trusts on prioritisation of services and how to maximise use of digital and virtual channels to keep delivering support to patients.
It said NHS mental health providers are also establishing 24/7 helplines.