Prince William and Kate Middleton used their Royal Foundation to provide resources needed during the global health crisis. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge teamed up with leading organizations to launch a project to support the NHS frontline workers’ well-being during the coronavirus outbreak.
Now, it is revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund has awarded almost £1.8 million to support frontline workers and those who are affected by the pandemic. The Duchess of Cambridge shared that she and her husband were “in awe” of the hard work of the frontline workers and warned about the mental health issues.
"Over recent months we have all been in awe of the incredible work that frontline staff and emergency responders have been doing in response to COVID-19. But we know that for many of them, their families, and for thousands of others across the UK, the pandemic will have a lasting impact on their mental health,” she said.
The fund is helping NHS frontline workers who are struggling with their mental health as they deal with the coronavirus situation. It will also ensure them to have access to individual grief trauma from Hospice UK.
Meanwhile, people have witnessed how important frontline workers are during the coronavirus pandemic, and they were automatically seen as heroes. They have saved a lot of lives while risking theirs, and they also showed strength to the public.
However, Prince William previously cautioned everyone not to call NHS staff as that for one particular reason. The Duke of Duchess shared that calling NHS staff “heroes” can be a “burden” for them.
In a series of video calls with hospital staff and care workers, Prince William and Kate Middleton have heard the pressures that NHS staff have been facing during the coronavirus outbreak. While these men and women always put on a brave face, the stress and pressure are taking a toll on their mental health.
While it’s natural to see and call the frontline workers as “heroes,” the label could have a negative effect on them. Prince William claims that instead of seeking help when they needed it, frontline workers might ignore their mental struggles to live up to the title that people see them.
Prince William then offered options on how people should praise NHS staff. Instead of the term “heroes,” the Duke of Duchess suggested that they should be hailed as “superstars,” “brave,” and “wonderful staff.”
The future King, then, noted that wider support for mental health is needed. A lot of people have been traumatized by their experience during the coronavirus pandemic, from NHS staff to regular citizens.
