Mental health, the importance of talking and the role of Shout - The Prince of Wales joins Harry Kane and Declan Rice in conversation
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, The Prince of Wales has joined England players Harry Kane and Declan Rice for an important conversation about mental health on a special episode of COPA90’s ‘Game of 5s’ show, hosted by Kelvyn Quagraine.
In an open, honest and authentic conversation about the importance of supporting our mental wellbeing, we hear from each of them about their own personal journeys, using different footballing memories as a springboard to delve into experiences of the highs and lows of life as professionals and as fans.
The episode covers topics from playing at academy level to the extreme pressures of the international stage and dealing with heart-breaking disappointment.
As part of the conversation, The Prince of Wales spoke about the work we do at Shout, which was launched with the support of The Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. His Royal Highness called out the benefits of Shout as a discreet service that doesn’t require you to air issues out loud, instead allowing you to have a conversation over text. He mentioned the importance of having a real person at the other end of the conversation; trained volunteers who have a number of ways to support someone who is struggling to cope and the ability to signpost them to further help.
“Shout was there to catch people, like a support network, and just carry them through those darker moments and bring them out somewhere the other side,” he added.
His Royal Highness also highlighted our recent partnership with the Harry Kane Foundation, in a campaign launched on World Mental Health Day that saw billboards promoting the Shout text service across the country.
This film aims to show that we can all face challenges to our mental health, from those at the top of their game to the fans in the terraces. But through shared interests and common ground, speaking about it doesn’t have to be difficult or lonely - it can be an everyday topic that we talk openly about in our day to day lives.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low or struggling to cope, you don’t have to face it alone. You can text SHOUT to 85258, any time day or night to speak to a trained volunteer. It’s free, confidential and won’t appear on your phone bill.
