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James Middleton has previously opened up about his private battle with depression, having described depression as a “cancer of the mind”. The 33-year-old has said his dogs, Ella, Zulu, Inka, Luna and Mabel, played a huge role in his recovery and has since become an ambassador of the national charity Pets as Therapy (PAT). Tonight, James will appear in an Instagram live video alongside a representative from the charity to help raise awareness of mental health.

James will be joined by PAT representative Matthew Robinson for the event, which will be hosted on the Barking Heads Instagram channel at 6.30pm tonight.

The live session marks Mental Health Awareness Week, with the pet food company Barking Heads teaming up with PAT to raise funds for the charity.

The brother of the Duchess of Cambridge said he is looking forward to raising more awareness of PAT.

He said: “I believe dogs are the one animal that really love you more than they love themselves.

“My personal experience of the comfort, happiness and companionship of dogs inspired me to get involved with the PAT team.

“Now, as a result, my own dogs, Ella and Mabel, are both fully-fledged therapy dogs and I’m committed to helping people to learn more about the life-changing support PAT offers.

“This week offers us all an important opportunity to tackle the stigma still so often associated with mental health issues and I’m looking forward to helping Barking Heads in their efforts to raise more awareness and funds.”

James will speak openly about how his own dogs helped him recover from depression and will also answer questions from the public.

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James’s love for dogs is well known by people who follow the entrepreneur on Instagram, as his five pets regularly feature on his social media account.

PAT was founded in 1983 and sends trusted volunteers and their behaviourally assessed animals out on therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes and special needs schools.

The service has had a hugely positive response, and is believed to help relieve the improve the lives of people suffering from debilitating mental and physical health conditions.

In a survey at Southampton Children’s Hospital this year, 100 per cent of parents and staff supported the use of therapy dogs and thought more hospitals should use them.

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Barking Heads is also carrying out numerous other fundraising activities, such as running and cycling challenges, to help raise funds for the charity this week.

The company’s marketing director, Julia Anderton said: “Mental Health is a deeply personal battle and pets can provide an invaluable amount of support.

“We’re all very thankful to James for joining our community for the live session and helping us get the message out to as many people as possible.”

James has recently launched a new company, Ella & Co – which provides a sustainable raw diet for dogs – which he believes is the healthiest food choice for pets.

The company, launched earlier this month has been named after his therapy pet.

On the company’s website, James explained: “The idea was born out of my close bond with my therapy dog, Ella.

“I wanted to repay her, and my other amazing dogs, by becoming the best owner I can be.

“The first step in my journey: creating the perfect balanced diet.”

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