The Prince of Wales is today launching a new initiative in a bid to “harness the power of sport to prevent suicide”.
Prince William is bringing together sporting stars and leaders from major organisations to launch ‘On Your Side’, a toolkit designed to help spot warning signs, start conversations and connect individuals with support.
It combines the Prince’s longstanding commitment to mental health support and suicide prevention with his passion for sport and belief in its ability to bring people together.
In a written foreword to the toolkit, William says: “At every level, sport has a remarkable ability to bring people together, creating communities up and down the country which foster a spirit of healthy competition, a shared sense of purpose, and a culture of belonging.
“Sport can also provide vital connection and support at times when people need it most – times when they’re feeling pressure, loss or even despair.
“Through my work on mental health, I have met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide.
“But I have also met people whose lives have been saved because someone stepped in to help. Each of their experiences has had a profound impact on me.
“In moments of need, the right support can make all the difference. We all have the power to help, and that’s why suicide prevention must be an important part of everyday sporting life.”
Willliam is set to be joined at the home of Everton Football Club – the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool – by Dame Kelly Holmes, Gabby Logan, Jill Scott, Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, and other leading figures from across sport to launch the new toolkit on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Hazel Detsiny, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation, said: “The scale of the challenge is clear. Suicide remains one of the most serious public health issues we face with over 7,000 deaths a year across the UK.
“It’s the biggest cause of death of men under 50. The picture across the four nations shows the same pattern with men being disproportionately affected.
“Sport has an unparalleled reach and influence with this group that few other sectors can match.”
To mark the launch, The Royal Foundation has produced a short film aimed at encouraging people to have the confidence to start a conversation about suicide.
The film features footballer and England captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell, two-weight world champion boxer Carl Frampton, GB international basketball player Kofi Josephs.
Other sports stars include Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rocky Clark, double world champion boxer, kickboxer and Muay Thai champion Ruqsana Begum and former elite jockey, turned jockey coach, George Baker.
In a speech, William is expected to say: “My hope is that every sporting organisation in the country will look at what is being launched today and ask a question: ‘What more can we do?’ Because the opportunity before us is enormous.'”
He will add: “Sport has the ability to reach people who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service. People who may never seek support themselves and may be struggling in silence.
“The sporting community can help change that.”
The Football Association, of which the Prince is patron, will commit to embedding the toolkit across its entire organisation, as well as its community and grassroots football network.
The Premier League and British Cycling will announce their commitment to prioritising suicide prevention across their organisations, and Team GB will use the resource with all athletes and staff.
Who to contact if you or someone you know needs help
- Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, by calling 116 123. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
- Papyrus offer support for children and young people under the age of 35 over the phone on 0800 068 41 41 between 9am – midnight every day of the year. If you would rather text you can do so on 07786 209697 or send an email to pat@papyrus-uk.org
- Rethink Mental Illness offer practical advice and information for anyone affected by mental health problems on a wide range of topics including treatment, support and care. Phone 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm) or visit rethink.org
- Mind also offer mental health support between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can call them on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463. There is also lots of information available on their website.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably’s (CALM) helpline and webchat are open from 5pm until midnight, 365 days a year. Call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or chat to their trained helpline staff online. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, it’s free, anonymous and confidential.
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