Talking about mental health `vital´ as sport returns, says Duke of Cambridge

Prince William joins sporting stars including England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson to highlight ‘vital’ need to talk about mental health

  • Prince William championed the Heads Up campaign for mental health in football
  • William was joined by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and British sports stars 
  • The group reviewed the Government’s Mental Health and Elite Sport Action Plan 

The Duke of Cambridge joined England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson and other sporting greats to discuss the issue of mental health as sport returns to the UK.

Prince William said it is ‘vital’ the mental wellbeing of sportspeople and fans is talked about, with the Premier League starting again on Wednesday.

A roundtable discussion including tennis player Jamie Murray and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds spoke about their own experiences with mental health.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was also involved in the meeting, as well as former Tottenham Hotspur captain and England international Ledley King, and England international hockey player Maddie Hinch.

The Duke of Cambridge Prince William was joined by England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson, tennis player Jamie Murray, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds  and former Arsenal and Lionesses footballer Alex Scott and other sporting greats in a group meeting about mental health in sport

Many of those who attended spoke about their own personal experiences and how maintaining good mental health helped them be better athletes.

Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold and former Arsenal and Lionesses footballer Alex Scott were also involved in the call. 

The discussion was an opportunity to talk about the barriers that have previously prevented some sportspeople from identifying and accessing the support they need.

William told those on the call: 'Through the Heads Up campaign, the football community has come together to do its part in driving lasting change by encouraging people to open up about their mental wellbeing, at the same time as embedding a mentally healthy culture across the sport

William told those on the call: ‘Through the Heads Up campaign, the football community has come together to do its part in driving lasting change by encouraging people to open up about their mental wellbeing, at the same time as embedding a mentally healthy culture across the sport

The group also discussed how elite sport could lead the way in supporting the mental and physical health of the wider population.

William told those on the call: ‘Through the Heads Up campaign, the football community has come together to do its part in driving lasting change by encouraging people to open up about their mental wellbeing, at the same time as embedding a mentally healthy culture across the sport.

‘I believe that there is more we can do collectively to ensure this is replicated across all of sport.

‘And that is why I am so happy to be here with you all to discuss how we can make that a reality.

‘We have a unique opportunity to use the tragedy of the pandemic to bring about positive change.

‘As the sporting world begins to return it is vital that we talk about the mental wellbeing of our sportspeople and fans.’

The roundtable was convened to inform a review of the Government’s Mental Health and Elite Sport Action Plan as well as the continuing work on the return of competitive elite sport and opportunities being explored to use sport in promoting messages around mental health.

Mr Dowden said: ‘Looking after our mental health is as important as our physical health, particularly through the pandemic which has brought about additional stress and change.

‘The resumption of sport behind closed doors coincides with many people returning to work too, so it’s a good time to make sure everyone knows support is available.’