https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8164025/Kate-William-launch-5million-scheme-support-Britains-mental-health.htmlKate 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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By Kate Mansey For The Mail On Sunday
Published: 00:24, 29 March 2020 | Updated: 08:48, 29 March 2020
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. The Cambridges’ intervention is part of a Government initiative that will see £5million awarded to mental health charities to expand support services. 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.’
'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.'
Minister for Mental Health Nadine Dorries, who has recovered from Covid-19, said: 'When I discovered I had coronavirus I felt anxious and scared. For those who already suffer from anxiety or other mental health issues, this may present new and difficult challenges. It’s imperative that we stay home if we are to beat coronavirus and save lives. I know how important it is that people have support to look after their mental health and this guidance will be of huge value.'
Mental health 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. 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 the use of digital and virtual channels to keep delivering support to patients. It said NHS mental health providers are also establishing 24/7 helplines. Mind is one of a consortium of charities preparing to adapt and increase their services. They are reaching out to vulnerable groups including older adults and people with underlying health conditions, and also anyone experiencing unstable employment and housing conditions. Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: 'Reaching out to friends and family is critical, as well as paying attention to the impact our physical health can have on our mental health – from diet and exercise to getting enough natural light and a little fresh air. Whether we have an existing mental health problem or not, we are all going to need extra help to deal with the consequences of this unprecedented set of circumstances.'
