Prince William and Kate Middleton team up with Public Health England for new mental health campaign

Kate Middleton says coronavirus will ‘dramatically change’ how much Britain values value NHS staff as Royal couple say lockdown is ‘frustrating’ for many people and ‘pressure, stress and isolation has been building up’

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have told the British people ‘we are in this together’ in a new film to promote mental health during the pandemic.

The short film, which will be broadcast on all television channels from Monday, shows how Prince William and Kate aim to help people cope with stress, depression or poor sleep caused by coronavirus.

It is promoting the NHS’s Every Mind Matters online platform which provides tips including discussing worries with friends in phone calls, and taking up a new hobby.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured above) have teamed up with Public Health England (PHE) to voice a new advert

Narrating the film, The Duke of Cambridge says: ‘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.’

The Duchess of Cambridge adds: ‘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. We’re in this together.’

There are mounting concerns about the toll of the lockdown on mental health, with social distancing causing high levels of loneliness and isolation.

Experts have warned Britain faces a surge in anxiety, depression and alcoholism, while the pandemic will also leave a lasting legacy of grief and trauma.

New data from the Office for National Statistics shows that four in five people are worried about the effect that coronavirus is having on their life.

More than half said it was affecting their well-being and 47 per cent reported high levels of anxiety.

In a bid to tackle the risks to mental health, Public Health England have launched new advice on their Every Mind Matters platform, focussed specifically on coping during the pandemic.

The website provides expert tips on how to relax and unwind in an attempt to prevent daily worries developing into more serious mental illnesses.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘We have asked people to make unprecedented changes to their day-to-day lives as part of our national effort to respond to this global pandemic. Staying at home and not seeing friends and loved ones can take its toll and it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or anxious.

‘It’s vital that we all look after our mental health in these challenging times, so today we are launching new guidance on the NHS Every Mind Matters website which is tailored to help people deal with this outbreak through practical tips and advice.’ Professor Paul Cosford, Emeritus Medical Director at Public Health England, said: ‘During the coronavirus outbreak, it is natural for many of us to feel worried or anxious. There are things we can do to help ourselves and others, to prevent these feelings from becoming more serious. Every Mind Matters offers NHS-endorsed guidance on the simple actions we can take to maintain good mental wellbeing.

‘Whether it’s through exercise, keeping to a routine, or trying something new – there is so much we can do to keep our minds healthy and prevent issues becoming more serious – and I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of this brilliant resource.

Minister for Mental Health, Nadine Dorries said: ‘I know how scary a time this must be for many. We are all feeling something over Coronavirus – anxiety, fear of the unknown, or even just frustration at not being in control.. It’s easy to forget that this is an unprecedented situation which is both physically and mentally draining.

‘We must all remember during these challenging times that while we are practicing social distancing for the physical health of ourselves and others, there is help out there to make sure we are taking care of ourselves mentally.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk