Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge have been finding new ways to support and promote various organizations during the lockdown, since normal visits are out of the question, and one of those is providing a voiceover for an NHS TV spot for Every Mind Matters.
The TV spot highlights how staying at home saves lives, but the isolation is having an adverse affect on our mental well-being. William and Kate recorded the voiceover, saying:
William: 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.
Kate: So now, more than ever, Every Mind Matters. There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing at this time.
William: 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.
Kate: Search Every Mind Matters to get your action plan today.
Both: We’re in this together.
Now, more than ever, Every Mind Matters.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 17, 2020
There are things we can all do to help look after our mental wellbeing during this challenging time. Visit https://t.co/2TMbOmDHmQ for more information and create your ‘Mind Plan’ today.#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/tlncVcnsX8
Every Mind Matters is an NHS campaign with tips and support for looking after one’s mental health, especially during lockdown.
In addition to the TV spot, several Royal Foundation/Heads Together charity partners released information about a conference call William and Kate had on April 8. In their briefings, they mentioned the Every Mind Matters campaign voiceover the Cambridges did, which is why I’m including both things in this article.
The participants in the call were: Peter Fonagy, CEO of the Anna Freud Centre; Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind; Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM; Alison Baum, CEO of Best Beginnings; Dr. Charles Winstanley, Chair of Contact Group; Emma Thomas, CEO of Young Minds; Chris Martin, CEO of The Mix; Graham Beech, CEO of Action on Addiction; Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations; Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be.
During the video call, the group discussed the mental health issues arising as a result of the pandemic and lockdown, and agreed that it’s important for the mental health sector to work together right now. They are anticipating there will be long-term consequences for people’s mental health from the pandemic. The article I read linked to this survey which states that 46.9% of British adults surveyed reported high levels of anxiety, and 53.1% of adults said it was affecting their well-being.
This pandemic and lockdown are clearly affecting all of us mentally and emotionally, and I think it’s a good thing that William and Kate are focusing on mental health right now.
