Prince William has emphasised the importance of mental health support during a visit to Norfolk, where he heard how the charity Mind is delivering vital services to local people, including those who work on the royal estate.
Visit to Norfolk and Waveney Mind
The Prince of Wales visited Norfolk and Waveney Mind at Anmer Social Club’s Community Hall, located on the King’s Sandringham estate, on Thursday morning. He learned how the charity provides essential mental health support to rural communities, with one man telling him he would likely not be alive today without Mind’s help.
A 71-year-old man told William: “Mind have become a sort of family. It’s good to be able to talk… and deal with real people, caring people, people you trust.” The community groups, situated close to attendees' homes, offer a safe, non-judgmental space where supportive relationships can be built, helping people navigate difficult periods in their lives.
Pilot Programme Co-Funded by William and Kate
Last year, Norfolk and Waveney Mind launched a pilot programme co-funded by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have a country retreat nearby. The programme aims to improve local wellbeing through proactive outreach and preventative support, including one-to-one counselling, parent-and-toddler groups, and menopause support groups. William hopes it will become a blueprint for other rural estates across the UK.
Arriving in pouring rain, the Prince met with service providers to discuss the pilot’s progress and effectiveness before chatting with group attendees.
Menopause Group and Laughter
Speaking first to a group of women from the menopause group, William heard how the exercise classes have improved their physical and mental wellbeing, with the convenience of being held locally a key benefit. Told that the group has become close friends and classes are filled with laughter, the prince said: “That is the important thing, laughter is important too. Laughter is a great source, a benefit.”
Post-COVID Challenges
Turning to Lee Dade, Head of Services at the charity, William noted: “You made the point very clearly that when covid came along it was very much like a door shutting… we haven’t had the same post covid where everybody is saying right get back out again and so some people have been left behind.” One woman replied: “It’s more insular definitely. It’s hard to get people out and joining but once they’re there.”
Men’s Groups and Emotional Moments
Joining a table to hear about the men’s groups, William met Mark Beck, a recovery worker, and Paul Gannon, 71, who has used the services for over four years. Paul became emotional, saying: “These guys are amazing, they really are… they have been with me…” William comforted him, placing a hand on his shoulder and saying: “Don’t worry, take your time on it. I’ll talk until you’re ready to say anything.”
The prince explained why he and his wife launched the pilot scheme, citing concerns about worsening isolation since the pandemic. “This is a bit of a pilot project to understand what is the need, what are the challenges in the rural community and how do we replicate something in the whole of the UK so that we are not leaving holes in how we look after people.”
Mark explained that poor transport, pub closures, and the impact of covid make it hard for men to find places to talk. “Us men can be a bit of a funny bunch… sometimes it can be very difficult for men to open up as often as they should.” He noted the stigma of generational views on mental health but added that younger generations' openness is helping.
Paul shared his experience: “I am very isolated up here… I have had PTSD issues which have really come back to haunt me. It’s good to be able to talk… to deal with real people, caring people, people you trust.” When asked what would have happened without Mind, he said: “I think things would have been very different. I was in a very dark place… Mind have helped me re-establish a new career at 71.”
William asked about key takeaways from the pilot. Mark said promotion, destigmatising, and good advocates are priorities. “Getting people in is actually the hardest bit and something we are always trying new methods.”
Counselling and Community Impact
Walking to another room, William spoke to counsellor Grania Haigh, who said: “The need is probably greater than we have seen so far. In individual departments on the estate, when one comes others follow.” Before departing, William privately met community members who have received one-to-one counselling.
Since its inception, the pilot programme has delivered sessions to 2,402 participants. Early feedback indicates that venue choice for group sessions has been particularly effective, with new networks built among attendees.
