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The Duke of Cambridge has highlighted the strain of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline workers looking after others, urging them: “Take care of yourself too.”

In a video message, Prince William thanked those working in the emergency services, hospitals or care homes, calling on them to seek support if their mental wellbeing is suffering.

“When you spend all day taking care of others it is easy to forget that you need to take care of yourself too,” he said. “But it’s OK to say when you’re not feeling OK. There is support available to you, if and when you need it.”

Our Frontline
(@OurFrontlineUK)

We’re proud of you. We’re here to support you. It is ok to ask for help.

The Duke of Cambridge sends a message of thanks and support to frontline workers. If you need to talk, reach out today at https://t.co/ZfgBwKXJVC #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #OurFrontline @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/XK4XrzXsdD


May 19, 2020

The message is part of the recently launched Our Frontline initiative, supported by his Royal Foundation, which provides one-to-one support and online resources for a range of workers whose psychological wellbeing may be under pressure.

In the video, posted on Our Frontline Twitter account, William said: “I want to say a huge thank you from myself and Catherine for all that you are doing to keep everyone safe. You and your families are making huge sacrifices, and we want you to know that the whole country is enormously proud of you.


The challenges you are facing, day in, day out, are unprecedented. Even in normal circumstances, frontline work can take its toll not just on your physical health, but also on your mental wellbeing.”

The duke, who was a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and has spoken in the past about the mental pressures that came with the job, added: “From my time with the air ambulance, I know all too well how determined frontline workers are to put a brave face on and keep going.”

In a 2018 interview, William said the experience of attending traumatic emergencies involving children and having his own children “tipped me over the edge”, but speaking to his crew helped him cope with the “enormous sadness” he had witnessed.

The duke and duchess have pledged to make the mental health of frontline workers their “top priority” in the months ahead. Mind, Samaritans, Shout – a text messaging helpline supporting people in crisis – Hospice UK and the Royal Foundation launched Our Frontline a few weeks ago, with William and Kate’s charitable body helping to raise awareness.





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