The Duke of Cambridge visits men's mental health charities in London
Published
Today, The Duke of Cambridge visited projects which support men around mental health and wellbeing.
First, His Royal Highness visited a Barber’s shop which encourages barbers to spot the signs of depression and mental health problems in their clients. Then His Royal Highness visited a charity which supports new dads.
The Duke, alongside the Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are tackling the stigma around around mental health through The Royal Foundation’s Head’s Together campaign.
In the morning The Duke visited The Pall Mall Barbers in Paddington which is a collective run by barbers who raise awareness for the prevention of suicide.
The “Lions Barber Collective” come together to also provide training in “BarbersTalk” where they can chat to clients and are able to recognise the signs of depression and mental health issues.
Tom’s close friend died by suicide in 2014 and was inspired to set up the programme as a result.
After the visit to the barber's, The Duke attended an engagement to find out more about a programme called “Future Dads”, which was set up by the charity Future Men.
The charity is located in London and provides advice and support for fathers, helping to develop their confidence as dads.
It engages boys and men by addressing the stereotypes around masculinity through positive activities to empower them.
CEO Christopher Muwanguzi introduced The Duke to dads taking part in practical sessions at the charity.
The Duke, who is father to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, said whilst viewing a “nappy changing” demonstration; “It’s very daunting how tiny they are. They are so fragile with tiny little fingers and toes. You do feel like if you move them around too much they are going to break. But they won’t.”
The Duke then took part in a discussion around practising self-care when you become a new dad.
The Father’s Development Programme offers courses for men aged between 13 and 25, with further support up to 35 years of age. The Future Dads programme offers support to men at any age.
The Duke met dads who completed the Future Dads course, alongside their children and they talked about the reality of becoming new dads.
Find out more about the work of The Royal Foundation and Their Royal Highnesses work around mental health.
