William and Kate launch new NHS plan to support mental health during lockdown

'We can feel frustrated, miss loved ones or get anxious. So now more than ever, Every Mind Matters...'

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have launched a new campaign with the NHS and Public Health England encouraging people to look after their mental health in lockdown.

Research shows 85 per cent of adults are worried about the impact coronavirus is having on their life with over half saying it has affected their wellbeing and nearly 50 per cent also reporting high levels of anxiety.

The campaign, called ‘Every Mind Matters’ is targeted at those most at-risk of poor mental health and encourages everyone to sign up for a tailored ‘Covid-19 mind’ plan online.

The platform, which has been online since October but only recently pivoted to coronavirus-specific content, includes free resources for managing your mental wellbeing and advice on improving this at home, as well as supporting friends and family.

It also has free resources on specific issues such as anxiety, stress, low moods and poor sleep, and access to activities like breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.

PHE says the resources have been developed with the help of leading charities including Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Samaritans, Rethink and Mental Health First Aid England.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge say in a video accompanying the launch: “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. So now more than ever, Every Mind Matters.”

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."

“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.”

The NHS recommends the best ways to combat poor mental wellbeing in lockdown are: talking about your worries with friends and family, setting a regular routine and making goals, maintain good quality sleep, manage your news intake, and try to do exercise where possible.

If you are worried about your own mental health or that of friends or family members, you can call Mind on 0300 123 3393 or Samaritans on 116 123.