Boris announces £15m drive to help Londoners ‘prioritise’ mental health

BORIS JOHNSON tried to move the spotlight from Brexit today by announcing a drive to get Londoners to look after their mental health.

The Prime Minister urged people to join “Every Mind Matters”, aimed at persuading one million to draw up personal plans to improve their mood and “feel in control” of their lives.

The campaign, backed by £15 million, a website and apps, follows data showing poor mental health is on the rise among young people, especially in London.

Speaking at Watford General Hospital, where he was meeting staff and patients, Mr Johnson said: “I am particularly pleased that we are ... encouraging people across the country to prioritise their mental health, in the same way that we look after our physical health.”

The dukes and duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex have joined forces to support the campaign. They narrate a short film on Sky, Channel 4, ITV, Channel 5 and MTV at 8.45pm tonight.

West Hertfordshire Trust, which covers Watford General, will get £400 million extra, Mr Johnson said. The NHS has been promised £2 billion, including cash to upgrade 20 hospitals and for AI research. The trust’s hospital project will start next year.