Prince William opened up about his daunting experience volunteering at a mental health helpline service during the pandemic.
Speaking at a royal engagement on Thursday, March 6, the Prince of Wales, 40, recalled his experience working with Shout, a free text messaging mental health support service that he promoted with Princess Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2019.
“I did volunteering for a bit back over Covid, and some of those conversations lived with me for quite a long time afterwards,” William said during a visit to Mental Health Innovations (MHI), a charity established by William and Kate’s Royal Foundation which launched Shout, according to The Independent.
“And you always say to yourself, ‘Did I give enough, did I do enough, did I find the right answer?’” he added.
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“The first one was quite terrifying,” William said of his own experience.
William’s visit marks a recent merger between MHI and The Mix, the U.K.’s leading support service for young people.
During the visit, the prince spent time with members of MHI’s youth advisory board and celebrated Shout reaching three million conversions since its launch, according to a press release issued to Us Weekly.
“A closer look at the future of mental health support and learning how it’s being powered by young voices, data, and cutting-edge AI technology at Mental Health Innovations,” a spokesperson for the Prince of Wales wrote via Instagram on Thursday.
“ An inspiring group of young volunteers are driving real change through a merger between @giveusashoutinsta and @themixuk. It means even more young people will have access to life-changing help when they need it most,” the statement added.
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The statement concluded with information on how to use the text messaging service: “If you need support, you are not alone. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, 24/7 confidential help.”
“It’s been an amazing journey, and Catherine and I — and I know I speak for Harry and Meghan as well — couldn’t be more proud of what Shout has accomplished, and what you’re still to accomplish,” William said during a speech to mark Shout’s crisis volunteer celebration event in 2019.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
