Prince William is launching the 'On Your Side' toolkit today, designed to help prevent suicide through the power of sport. The England captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell and boxer Carl Frampton star in a new film by William's Royal Foundation promoting the toolkit.
The toolkit has been created for those working or volunteering in sport, offering advice on spotting warning signs in someone struggling and how to start conversations and get support before a mental health crisis occurs.
Sporting stars feature in new film
The launch is being marked at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where William will be joined by sporting stars including Olympic gold medallists Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Laura Kenny, Lioness Jill Scott, Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and boxer Campbell Hatton, whose father Ricky Hatton took his own life last year.
In the film released today, Kane and other athletes, including women's rugby World Cup winner Rocky Clark and jockey turned coach George Baker, use conversation starters to ask those struggling with their mental health if they want to talk. Kane says in the film: "If you think someone is not OK, ask. One conversation can change everything."
Alan Shearer backs the toolkit
The toolkit also has the backing of former England captain and BBC pundit Alan Shearer, who was deeply affected by the suicide of his close friend, former Wales manager Gary Speed, who was 42. During his visit to Everton, where Speed once played, William will visit a special talking bench at the stadium, unveiled in Speed's memory to encourage open conversations about mental health.
Shearer said: "Everton meant so much to Gary Speed and I'm happy to support the Royal Foundation with this." He added: "We can't always know when somebody is struggling but we can all be better at asking, listening and helping someone find the right support. You don't have to have all the answers, but I hope everyone will support the toolkit."
William's speech and partnerships
William is expected to give a speech at the Premier League ground, where he will 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. 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 toolkit, launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, was produced in partnership between the British Standards Institution (BSI) and mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. It was developed by experts and designed for sports clubs from grassroots to professional outfits, for use by players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and fans. Research commissioned by the Royal Foundation shows sport has the potential to be a "powerful platform" for suicide prevention but is "hampered by stigma - particularly among men and elite athletes".
The toolkit includes information on creating an environment where people can speak up, conversation starters, spotting signs of crisis and where to get support. The Football Association, of which William is patron, will embed the toolkit across its organisation and community network. The Premier League and British Cycling will prioritise suicide prevention, and Team GB will use the resource with all athletes and staff. It will be available on Chasing the Stigma's Hub of Hope website and app.
Jake Mills, founder and CEO of Chasing the Stigma, said: "What we're trying to do is not just raise awareness, but come up with a conversation starter with practical solutions as a result of that. We know that sport brings people together, if we can reach people and give people a reason to talk about this topic, but then take something practical away, then that's the legacy of what we're trying to do here: to take it into that everyday life. If we're going to make a difference as suicide prevention, given the stigma, given the uncomfortableness, given how often people feel like they can't have that conversation, we need to reach people where they are, and we know the power of sport for a sense of community, for a sense of belonging, for a sense of camaraderie and teams. So being able to reach people where they feel comfortable with this toolkit, will dramatically have a big impact."
Hazel Detsiny, executive director of the Royal Foundation, said: "This toolkit is the first of its kind, uniting the sector across all sports and at every level, with the aim of bringing about meaningful change. Sport can be a powerful force for connection and support, and everyone engaged in sport has the power to make a difference to those at risk of suicide."
