Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health: Viewers applaud ‘tough’ and ‘powerful’ documentary
Viewers have taken to Twitter to praise Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health, a new documentary encouraging men to open up about their emotions.
The BBC One programme features the Duke of Cambridge meeting with various figures from the world of football, including legendary goalie Joe Hart, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and England centre-back Tyrone Mings, to speak about mental health in the context of the sport.
It sees Prince William visit a grassroots football team in Northampton called Sands United, which is comprised entirely of fathers who have lost a child.
He also meets Marvin Sordell, a player whose career was stymied by bouts of depression. When Sordell talks about growing up without a father, Prince William speaks candidly about the "overwhelming" impact the death of his mother had on him.
The programme was a hit with viewers, with many tweeting praise about the Duke’s caring interview technique, in particular.
“Prince William really is a fantastic ambassador for this country, love the way he connects with people and how passionate he is about the #HeadsUp campaign,” wrote one user.
“Wow Prince William really knows his stuff yano,” added another. “You can tell he's researched and he's really listening to the experts of those who've been through mental health.”
I’m not much of a Royalist but you can’t not like Prince William can you. He seems like a good chap.
— Grant (@ghud68)
Prince William on this documentary with #Headsup is exactly what this country needs. Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 45 in England. This NEEDS to be talked about. pic.twitter.com/lscM0PLSOm
— Kayla Adams (@KaylaAdams___)
Watching Football, Prince William & Mental health on @BBCOne Something quite special about William who speaks so passionately about mental health in such an informed & supportive way for men who are silent. Someone of his caliber is a great asset to us all. @KensingtonRoyal
— Terry Moran CB (@terry_moran1)
Everyone talks about Harry, and I like him too, but Prince William has done so much for #MentalHealthAwareness and has a great connection with people, just like his mother did. This documentary on BBC One at the moment is really good. #HeadsUp
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez)
Prince William comes across as a genuine man who is very good with people & he’s very eloquent. #HeadsUp
— Kevin Anyango (@kevinkevoan)
Loving the programme with Prince William and all the brave guys that come on and talked about their mental health issues. An absolute must guys and all of us know it is ok not to be ok! #HeadsUp
— Jo Jones (@joanne_1673)
Sat here watching Football, Prince William and our mental health. It is such a tough watch because I can relate to so much of what they are saying and how they feel. I have been so used to hiding how I really feel and the thought it's weak to talk.
— Taffy 68 (@RayDavi80338633)
Powerful and moving @BBCOne documentary on mental health with Prince William. No one needs to suffer in silence 💙 #itsokaynottobeokay #HeadsUp
— Luke (@pomeroy1988)
Prince William is such a great mental health champion. So at ease talking with others going through tough times, particularly men who find it so much harder to talk about their struggles. A future King the people can connect with #mentalheath #princewillliam @KensingtonRoyal
— ☀Sandy Jennings☀️ (@SandyJenning)
While filming the documentary over the course of a year, Prince William travelled around the country promoting the Heads Up initiative.
The initiative was launched by the Heads Together campaign and the Football Association with the aim of raising awareness about mental health and to encourage football supporters to speak out about any issues they are experiencing.
If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support: mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, mentalhealth.org.uk, samaritans.org.
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