The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn today
It's a difficult topic but not one that Kate and William shied away from. They met Jonny Benjamin who tried to take his own life. And with him was Neil Laybourn whose kindness and support at the moment Jonny needed it most stopped him from committing suicide. As a result, Jonny began campaigning to raise awareness of mental health issues and make sure those who need it get support - today he shared his experiences with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The four met at St Thomas' Hospital in London where Jonny has received treatment in the past. Since then he has campaigned to improve education about mental health issues and he said today was about breaking the taboo about suicide and tackling the stigma that can be attached to it.
Later on, William and Kate watched a special screening of a documentary about Jonny's experiences held at Kensington Palace.
School children from south London were also invited to the screening - Jonny Benjamin goes to colleges to talk to show the film and talk to young people about mental health issues. Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined that debate as well as they watched the film with the pupils and then took part in the discussion afterwards - it was led by Jonny, Neil and the organisation Rethink Mental Illness.
These engagements are just the latest step in an ongoing campaign by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to raise awareness of mental health issues which recently saw Kate guest edit the Huffington Post and the royal couple visit Scotlad and Wales for engagements. And there's no doubt that their latest focus on this sometimes hidden topic in this area will have helped change attitudes.
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