William and Kate urge public to open up about coronavirus struggles in Mental Health Awareness week broadcast

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined stars from across sport, music and film in a poignant message marking the start of Mental Health Awareness week.

In the address, broadcast to more than 20 million UK radio listeners on Monday morning, Dua Lipa, Anthony Joshua, David Tennant and Harry Kane join the royal couple in highlighting the importance of talking about mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

Together, they explained how people can support one another during the Covid-19 crisis, emphasising that everyone is in this together, and it’s OK to ask for help.

As part of the message, played simultaneously across every radio station in the country at 10.59am today, William said: “We’re all connected. And sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference.

"So right now, let’s join together across the UK and reach out to someone.”

From top left: Anthony Joshua, the Duchess of Cambridge, David Tennant, the Duke of Cambrige, Dua Lipa, Harry Kane

Kate then added: “If you’re struggling, it’s important to talk about it. Or if someone you know is acting differently, it’s OK to ask how they are. Use this moment to send a message.”

This year’s broadcast marks the third annual Mental Health Minute, and this year plays to its biggest ever collective audience, with BBC Radio 4 included for the first time.

The initiative launched in 2018, when it featured the Duke of Sussex, Lady Gaga and Dame Judi Dench among others.

This year’s Minute began with boxing star Joshua saying: “This is a significant moment. Almost every station in the country is broadcasting this message.

"You are connected to 20 million people by the power of radio for this year’s Mental Health Minute.”

Singer Dua Lipa then said: “We’re living through a time which is taking its toll on everyone in different ways... we can all feel scared, alone and confused.”

Actor Tennant then explained that “in the weeks and months ahead of us, we will all have an important role to play in being there for one another,” before England captain Kane added: “Remember: you’re not alone.”

Siobhan Kenny, Chief Executive of broadcasting body Radiocentre said: “It is so apt in this most extraordinary of times that the entire radio industry is uniting behind the Mental Health Minute.

“We are delighted to be able to use the unique power of radio to highlight this important message to millions of listeners and to continue our support for Heads Together.”

Alongside this morning’s message, the royals’ mental health campaign Heads Together announced a new collaboration with Instagram, starting later today.

‘Heads Together Wellbeing Guides’ will go live on the charity’s page, as part of a new global mental health initiative from the social media platform.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend Mental Health Summit

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Jason Knauf, Chief Executive of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, said: “As we feel the effects of Covid-19 on the nation’s mental health, we will need to support one another more than ever.

"We will all need to feel more confident in reaching out for support if we need it and checking in on our loved ones.

"By bringing together the power of radio and social media, we’re delighted to help people connect to one another, and to access reliable, trusted information and resources from our charity partners.

"These remarkable projects from Radiocentre and Instagram show that, despite being apart, no-one needs to face these challenges alone.”

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, May 18 to Sunday, May 24.

This year’s theme is kindness, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The seven-day event has been hosted by Mental Health Foundation for the past 20 years, and this year will celebrate acts of kindness that can make such a difference to a person's wellbeing, particularly during times of stress.

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