An interview with young Time to Change champion, Nikki Mattocks, at today's event with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge:
Q: So what have you been feeling run-up to today?
"I was a bit nervous about such high profile people being there, but I know that at the end of the day they're still just people like everyone else really... Just royal!"
What was it like when they came in?
"I just thought wow, they're actually here, they actually care. It was just amazing because it felt like 'wow, these people care', it is something that we don't have to be alone with."
Q: What questions did they ask you?
"The stigma, how it is in schools, the support people get when they realise that they're first ill... They were really good, they asked questions back and were really interested, it was awesome. Everyone got a chance to speak, it felt so natural just talking about it and after it was like 'wow, we just did that."
Q: Why for you is it so important that they came today?
"I think because they're really drawing attention to mental health which is what the whole thing is about really, they are royal and that's pretty cool, but at the end of the day it's about bringing awareness to mental health and I think they've really, really helped do that. They've helped us get more attention about how important mental health is."
Q: So are you going to go home and tell all your friends now?!
"Yes, I saw Kensington Palace tweeted a photo and I could see myself in them! It was really cool, I think my favourite part was when the Duchess actually personally thanked me for sharing my experience and I thought 'wow, that's amazing.'"
Q: What would your vision of the future be, how would you like to see attitudes change?
"I think I would like, as much as every story is unique and remarkable in its own right, I would really like it if it wasn't a big thing when people spoke about mental health, it was just an everyday thing so that people didn't have to feel like it was a huge deal anymore because it's just normal like physical health. I'd like it to go on the national curiculum too, now it's got a lot more attention."
Q: So you've had a good day?
"It was literally one of the best things I've ever done in my life."
Q: Well we can't thank you enough for coming, we couldn't have done it without you.
"I loved it!"
Nikki
