Prince Harry and William join Lady Gaga with special message on mental health
PRINCE Harry and his brother Prince William have joined stars from music, sport, stage and screen to record a radio moment encouraging people to start conversations for Mental Health Awareness Week.
The princes issued heartfelt pleas for people to “start a conversation on mental health” as part of a minute-long message which was simultaneously broadcast by hundreds of UK radio stations at 10.59am today.
The broadcast is designed to encourage more people to talk openly about their mental health and was spearheaded by Radiocentre and Radio Academy with support from Harry and William’s Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together campaign.
In the minute-message, the Duke of Cambridge said: "Just starting a conversation on mental health can make all the difference, when you talk about something you have less reason to fear it.”
Prince Harry added: "If you do have the courage to speak about it, you really can make things better.”
Lady Gaga, Dame Judi Dench, David Harewood and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill also featured in the minute message.
The two Princes have followed in the footsteps of their mother Princess Diana in championing Mental Health-related causes along with the Duchess of Cambridge.
Earlier this year William, Kate and Harry outlined the next phase of their Heads Together campaign.
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If you do have the courage to speak about it, you really can make things better
In March, Harry addressed a 210-strong audience at the Veterans' Mental Health Conference in central London where he issued a personal plea on behalf of military personnel suffering from mental health issues.
In February, the prince, who will marry in Meghan Markle in just days, helped launched Time to Talk Day.
The day is held on the first Thursday in February and aims to bring the nation together to get talking and break the silence around psychological problems.
Speaking about today's recording, Siobhan Kenny, chief executive at Radiocentre, said: “Radio is coming together in the UK first today to shine a light on the important issue of mental health.
“Radio is unique in being both fantastically intimate and yet part of a shared experience. As well as providing company and fun, radio can be an important lifeline for listeners.
“It is therefore an obvious choice for us all to come together to talk about the things that matter most in our lives.”
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Roger Cutsforth, Chief Executive at The Radio Academy, said: “We have a responsibility to recognise the unique place we in radio occupy in people’s lives.
“This poignant moment of reflection, a first in UK radio, is a wonderful opportunity to help us improve how we support each other emotionally.”