Advertisement

Prince William fronts documentary to lead new BBC mental health season

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge has spoken about Britain's spirit in the face of coronavirus: POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge has spoken about Britain's spirit in the face of coronavirus: POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The BBC has announced it will air a series of programmes for May’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which will include a film led by Prince William.

Currently titled ‘Tackling Mental Health With the Duke of Cambridge’, the film sees the 37- year-old second-in-line to the throne focus on “men’s mental health through the prism of football.”

The documentary follows the Duke for over the course of a year.

As well as meeting with fans, players and managers, Prince William will talk candidly with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Chelsea manager Frank Lampard “as part of his efforts to start the biggest ever conversation on mental health, through football.”

The documentary leads an array of programming about mental health on both television and radio.

Prince William will speak to football players and fans about mental health (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince William will speak to football players and fans about mental health (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

What’s The Matter With Tony Slattery will follow comedian Slattery observe and seek answers for his mental health related issues.

The programme follows in a long line of critically acclaimed documentary observing similar subject matter, including: Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum And Dad, Alastair Campbell: Depression And Me, Killed By My Debt, and Nadiya: Anxiety And Me – which will all air again during Mental Health Awareness Week.

CBBC’s Newsround will mark the week exploring kindness and the emotional well-being of boys.

BBC Bitesize’s new daily lessons will also include a dedicated well-being segment on BBC iPlayer for children aged five to 11 every Friday.

On the airwaves, Jeremy Vine will explore how to support a loved one who is feeling suicidal on his BBC Radio 2 show.

Radio 3’s offerings will feature Essential Classics, for listeners “to pause and reflect with a daily ‘slow moment’, an eclectic range of classical music”.

BBC Director General Tony Hall has said that focus on mental health is “more important than ever” during the coronavirus crisis.

“Many people may be struggling alone, be worried about maintaining their own well-being, or want to better equip themselves to help loved ones.

“That’s why bringing mental health issues out into the open is so important. Our programmes aim to do just that. They highlight the issues affecting many and will hopefully help people seek the support they need.”

BBC Content director Charlotte Moore added: “It has never felt more important to raise awareness and bring the conversation out into the open when so many people are feeling isolated and alone.

“We’re taking our commitment even further to provide a vital support to those in need and reach an even broader audience with programmes that will explore what we can all do to look after ourselves, help loved ones and deal with the anxiety so many are experiencing through this crisis.”

Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020

Read more

William and Kate thank public for 'lovely' wishes on ninth anniversary

The moments that nearly upstaged Kate and Will on their wedding day

15 squidgy pictures of Prince Louis as he turns two