William comforts mental health charity user on Norfolk visit
Paul Gannon described Mind as a 'sort of family,' highlighting its support for his PTSD and isolation.
The Prince of Wales visited the Anmer Social Club in Norfolk to support a mental health charity's initiative reaching rural communities.
During the visit, Prince William comforted Paul Gannon, who was visibly moved while discussing the support he received from Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
Gannon praised the charity for its invaluable work around Sandringham, where the royal estate is located.
The two-year pilot project, co-funded by William and Kate, aims to enhance Mind's efforts in the community, focusing on those working on the Sandringham estate and the wider area.
The charity has engaged about 800 people since the pilot began last year, fostering new friendship networks through group sessions in welcoming settings like Anmer Social Club.
William shared his involvement's origin, explaining, "What I noticed was there was a lot of isolation going on, people were stopping me and talking to me about it...this is a bit of pilot project to understand...how do we replicate something like this across the whole of the UK, so we’re not leaving holes in how we look after people."
Paul Gannon described Mind as a 'sort of family,' highlighting its support for his PTSD and isolation.
He appreciated the chance to talk to 'real, caring people,' rather than just resorting to medication.
William engaged with Mark Back, who runs Mind’s men's group, discussing factors attracting men to peer groups.
Back noted the gradual progress and relationship building once men attend, influenced by younger generations' willingness to discuss mental health.
The prince also interacted with menopausal women participating in exercise sessions, joking about their use of hula-hoops.