Prince Harry: Mental fitness must be at heart of military training
Prince Harry launches a joint project with the Ministry of Defence which aims to boost the mental fitness of the Armed Forces.
Monday 9 October 2017 15:25, UK
Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence have teamed up to promote a new mental health strategy for Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
The Royal Foundation, the charitable trust set up by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will work with the MoD to offer targeted training, support and advice that can be shared across the whole Armed Forces family.
Experts and specialist rehabilitation groups with a specific military focus have collaborated with the partnership through projects such as the Invictus Games and the Endeavour Fund.
The MoD says the joint initiative with the foundation builds on a mental health and well-being strategy that was announced in the summer.
It is expected to include annual briefings, websites and specialist support to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health among military personnel.
Sky News has been told this is the first time that the Royal Foundation has worked in this way with a government department.
Speaking at the project's launch at the MoD in central London on Monday, Prince Harry said it was about "placing mental fitness and mental health at the heart of the training and support provided to the entire defence community".
The former Army officer, who spent 10 years in the Armed Forces, said: "The military has faced the challenge of dealing with things like post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
"But, like so many of you in this room, I have come to realise that we can all do more to promote the positive management of our mental health and, in doing so, help prevent some of these issues before they develop."
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: "By looking after our mental health we are building a more effective Armed Forces that helps keep this country safe.
"Our soldiers, sailors and airmen are the best in the world but we will only maintain that if we are as serious about improving mental health as we are our combat skills and cutting-edge technology.
"So partnering with key groups like the Royal Foundation is an important part of our strategy to improve the well-being of our serving Armed Forces and veterans."
Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Royal Foundation, said: "We are delighted that this new partnership with the Ministry of Defence will see the UK leading the way internationally in prioritising the mental fitness of its entire defence community."
This is the latest announcement linked to the next phase of William, Kate and Harry's Heads Together mental health campaign.
On Sunday, it was revealed that the Royal Foundation is committing £2m to fund a new digital innovation unit to develop new tools and services so people can access the support they need.
Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate will mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, which this year focuses on workplace well-being.