Princess Kate and Prince William announce powerful new support network for farming communities
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have announced a new mental health initiative in partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Mind charity, aimed at supporting rural and farming communities in Northwest Norfolk.
The royal couple will co-fund a pilot programme providing mental health services to local communities, including residents and workers on the Sandringham Estate.
The initiative comes as evidence shows a pressing need for mental health support in rural areas across the UK, where isolation and poor mental health remain widespread.
Statistics reveal that one farmer per week loses their life to mental health struggles.
Princess Kate and Prince William announce powerful new support network for farming communities
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The two-year pilot programme will launch in 2025, with the potential to reach approximately 1,500 people across the Northwest Norfolk community.
Nearly half of those who could benefit from the initiative live on the Sandringham Estate.
The programme will create two part-time positions: a Rural Mental Health Coordinator and a Counsellor.
The initiative will provide direct counselling services and drop-in sessions for local residents.
Princess Kate and Prince William will co-fund a pilot programme providing mental health services
PA
Community support will include targeted sessions for various groups, including parent and toddler meetings, menopause support, and men's groups.
Sonja Chilvers, Interim CEO of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, welcomed the collaboration with the royal couple.
"We are all too aware of the specific mental health challenges faced by people in rural settings, particularly those in the farming community," she said.
She highlighted the royal couple's familiarity with Northwest Norfolk communities and expressed enthusiasm about the pilot's potential impact.
Princess Kate and William have just announced the new initiative
Getty"Our innovative new partnership will drive proactive outreach and preventative measures to the whole community and form a vital step in better protecting the wellbeing of local people," Chilvers added.
She noted that if successful, the model could be replicated across other rural estates and communities in the UK.
The programme will deliver comprehensive mental health support through various channels.
Local residents will have access to face-to-face counselling and drop-in sessions in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
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PAThe initiative includes mental health training for local employers to help community members maintain good mental health before reaching crisis point.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind will also launch a new-look Talking Therapies service from their REST Heacham site.
This service will provide free counselling for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression.
The programme aims to build supportive relationships between attendees through its community-focused approach.
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