Mental Health Minute 2019: Are You Really Listening?

Stars from music, stage and screen uniteed with His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge to voice a minute-long message that was broadcast simultaneously across hundreds of UK radio stations at 10.59am Monday, May 13, during Mental Health Awareness Week 2019.

It follows the #MentalHealthMinute that made history last year, broadcasting to one of radio’s biggest ever collective audiences with stations from across the BBC and commercial radio uniting to carry the same message.

His Royal Highness was joined by musician Katy Perry, comedian, actor and writer Stephen Fry, actress, presenter and activist Jameela Jamil and singer and television personality Alesha Dixon.

The five celebs came together to talk about the value of listening and the positive role it can play on our mental health. The aim was to 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.

LISTEN to Stephen Fry below 

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 marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week and Radio Audio Week. It was created by production company TBI Media.

Phil Critchlow TBI Media’s Chief Executive said:

“The team at TBI has been delighted to help create the Mental Health Minute. It’s delivering a hugely important and powerful message that's relevant to all radio listeners across the UK, and it's great to be a part of our industry coming together with this scale of ambition.”

Last year’s broadcast, which His Royal Highness also voiced, 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 more than 20 million listeners around the UK.

This year even more stations from the BBC and commercial radio were on board to broadcast the message which means more people had a chance to hear it and listeners have been encouraged to engage online through the #MentalHealthMinute.

Lorraine Heggessey, Chief Executive of The Royal Foundation said:

"When it comes to mental health, having someone there to listen and to make you feel heard can make a profound difference.

"Whether it is a friend, family member, colleague, support service or mental healthprofessional, the power of listening cannot be underestimated. That’s what the Mental Health Minute is all about.

"We are so grateful to be working with Radiocentre who have brought the radio industry together once again on this important moment to remind everyone of the power of listening, and let them know about the plethora of mental health volunteering opportunities they can get involved in in the UK."

LISTEN to Katy Perry below

Siobhan Kenny, Chief Executive at Radiocentre, said:

“We’re really proud to be bringing radiotogether for a second year, encouraging everyone to support each other and harness the powerof listening.

"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.”

Forces charity Combat Stress treats veterans suffering from mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression and anxiety. Their experts say there are warning signs to look out for in ourselves, and in others.

• Feeling isolated
• Lacking energy
• Feeling detached from things you enjoy
• Anger or aggressive behaviour
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• Mood swings and anxiety

According to mental health charity Mind, one in four will experience a mental health problem each year and approximately one in eight adults are currently receiving treatment.

If you are currently serving or are a veteran and feel the need to speak to someone about your mental health don't hesitate to contact Combat Stress. or you can contact Military Mental Health Helpline on 0800 323 4444 for advice or support.