Princes William and Harry back UK mental health text support
LONDON — Princes William and Harry and their wives, Kate and Meghan, are joining forces to back a text messaging service to help people experiencing mental health problems.
Britain’s Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge smile during a visit to Newborough Beach in North Wales, Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Image: Aaron Chown/PA via AP
Their Royal Foundation will provide a 3 million-pound ($3.9 million or P203.4 million) grant to back the initiative called Shout.
The service is designed to help people with a wide range of problems including suicidal thoughts, relationship issues and bullying.
William said Friday the service “is free to use, anonymous, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week” and that the text conversations are handled by volunteers who have received online training and are monitored by a clinical team.
William says 60,000 people have already received help from the service.
Both couples have lobbied for better treatment of mental health issues. NVG
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