Stars and radio broadcasters unite for mental health

In support of mental health, a host of top celebrities have teamed up with Prince William to broadcast a message simultaneously across hundreds of UK radio stations today.

At 10.59am today (Monday 13th May), the #MentalHealthMinute will broadcast to audiences across the BBC and commercial radio uniting to carry the same message.

Prince William will be joined by musician Katy Perry, actor and writer Stephen Fry, actress Jameela Jamil and singer Alesha Dixon to talk about the value of listening and the positive role it can play on mental health.

The campaign, which first launched last year, will emphasise the importance of talking about mental health, how listening cannot be underestimated and how each and every one of us has the power to make a difference.

Lead by industry body Radiocentre, working with Heads Together, the mental health campaign spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the #MentalHealthMinute will mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week and Radio Audio Week. It was created by production company TBI Media.

The message comes days after the launch of Heads Together’s latest legacy project, Shout, a new, free 24/7 crisis text service being delivered by Mental Health Innovations.

“We’re really proud to be bringing radio together for a second year, encouraging everyone to support each other and harness the power of listening,” said Siobhan Kenny, chief executive at Radiocentre.

“This year we are asking all our listeners to participate in a unique way and we can’t wait to hear how everyone responds to it.”

Last year’s broadcast tackled the stigma of talking about mental health, and featured actors Dame Judi Dench and David Harewood as well as Lady Gaga and sports personality Dame Jessica Ennis. It reached over 20 million listeners around the UK.