Prince Harry visits Newcastle and Gateshead with Heads Together

As the countdown to the London Marathon continues, Prince Harry met the runners and Heads Together supporters from across the North East who are working to make 2017 the mental health marathon. Heads Together, the campaign to change the conversation on mental health which is spearheaded by Their Royal Highnesses, is the Official Charity of the Year of the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon.

Prince Harry's visit to the North East began in Gateshead, where His Royal Highness learned how Walking With the Wounded is working with the local council and police on projects to support ex-servicemen, with a focus on providing specialist support for mental health, including those who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

The Prince heard from project leaders and beneficiaries of these services, before attending a round table discussion on how multi-agency partnerships can support mental health provision for servicemen with complex needs.

Next, Prince Harry headed to the Quayside to join Steve Cram, Jonathan Edwards and some of the Team Heads Together runners from across the North East and Scotland as they take part in a special training day. The Prince met some of the runners to hear why they are running, and to raise awareness of the benefits of having open conversations about mental health, before delivering a speech.

If we are all willing to have these conversations, we will end the stigma around mental health once and for all

Prince Harry

The day concluded at Virgin Money Head Quarters, one of the Official Partners of Heads Together, where staff, runners, and representatives from the campaign's eight charity partners took part in a Heads Together charity day.  Prince Harry headed to the charity village to meet staff who have been raising funds and awareness about mental health.