‘Groundbreaking’ Films Released to Encourage a
‘National Conversation’ on Mental Health
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry today released ten films as part of the Heads Together mental health campaign. The films feature people from all walks of life talking, often with the person that they first opened up to, about the life changing conversation that helped them cope with their mental health problems – from anxiety, alcoholism and depression through to loneliness, trauma and bereavement.
The first series for films, published today on the Heads Together YouTube page and website, includes: two mums of young children; musician Stephen Manderson (Professor Green) and Cricketer Freddie Flintoff; a journalist and her friend; comedian Ruby Wax and her husband Ed; two paramedics based in Blackpool; model Adwoa Aboah with her mum; a blogger and her mum; and writer Alastair Campbell talking with his partner, Fiona. The directors who have given their time to help create and support the films include Stephen Frears, Hugh O’Connor, John Madden, John Crowley, Paul Katis, and Sam Blair.
Freddie and Stephen
Stephen Manderson – better known by his stage name Professor Green – is an English rapper, singer, songwriter and documentary maker. He is also a patron of Calm, which is the charity dedicated to preventing male suicide in the UK.
Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff MBE is a former captain of the England cricket team. He won BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005 and in 2006 he was awarded an MBE.
In this conversation, Stephen and Freddie talk about their own experiences of mental health and the benefits of speaking openly.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry said
“Since we launched Heads Together last May, we have seen time and time again that shattering stigma on mental health starts with simple conversations. When you realise that mental health problems affect your friends, neighbours, children and spouses, the walls of judgement and prejudice around these issues begin to fall. And we all know that you cannot resolve a mental health issue by staying silent.
“Attitudes to mental health are at a tipping point. We hope these films show people how simple conversations can change the direction of an entire life. Please share them with your friends and families and join us in a national conversation on mental health in the weeks ahead.”
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, which is one of the Heads Together Charity Partners, said:
“It is truly groundbreaking to see so many people, from all walks of life, sharing their mental health experiences on film in the hope of inspiring others to strike up their own conversation. These films have the power to spark life-changing and, in some cases, life-saving conversations. We hope that there will be a snowball effect with more and more people seeing the benefits of speaking out and supporting each other.”
Presenting the research at the preview CEO of YouGov, Stephan Shakespeare, said:
“The nation is at a tipping point in our willingness to talk openly about mental health, and it is young people who are taking the lead. Our research shows that while nearly half of the British public has had a conversation about mental health in the past three months, there is still a long way to go. This is especially true among groups who are less likely to speak out, such as older people and men. This study, one of the most comprehensive ever carried out on the topic, shows how important talking about mental health can be. For instance, of those that have had such conversations, more than eight in ten found it helpful. As our research – and the work of ‘Heads together’ – shows, we are at a moment of opportunity in opening up to this vital health issue.”
To watch the ten short films, click on the images below…
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