The Prince of Wales is urging the sporting world to make suicide prevention part of their "game plan" by adopting new guidance about how to support someone having a mental health crisis.
Launch at Everton's Stadium
On World Suicide Prevention Day, William will be joined at Everton's stadium in Liverpool by double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, former Lioness Jill Scott and ex-cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, Britain's most decorated female Olympian.
The footballer, along with other sports stars such as F1 driver George Russell, feature in a video promoting the online guidance for grassroots players, professionals, fans and organisations, which is being launched by William at a Premier League club.
Foreword and Video Messages
The future King has written a foreword for the suicide prevention guidance, titled On Your Side, stating: "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 his speech, the prince is anticipated to highlight that sport has the ability to reach those "who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service", expressing his hope that every sporting organisation will ask: "What more can we do? Because the opportunity before us is enormous."
Sporting Bodies Pledge Support
At the launch held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Football Association, which William backs as patron, will pledge to integrate fresh guidance throughout the organisation, including its community and grassroots football network.
The Premier League and British Cycling will reveal their dedication to making suicide prevention a top priority and Team GB will utilise the resource with all athletes and staff.
William continues to write: "Whatever your role – athlete, coach, parent, official or supporter – you may be the person who notices that someone is struggling. You could be the one who starts an honest conversation and who helps that person to find the support they need. This toolkit gives you clear, practical guidance to do exactly that. I hope that On Your Side encourages everyone in sport, in every discipline and at every level, to make suicide prevention part of your game plan."
In the video, sporting legends, including former world champion boxer Carl Frampton and ex-women's rugby World Cup winner Rocky Clark, pose questions about a person's wellbeing while in sporting environments, with Kane saying "are you alright?" then adding "you don't have to figure this out on your own".
William doesn't appear in the film but provides the voiceover: "You don't need to be an expert to support someone who's struggling. You just need to find the courage to have the conversation."
Guidance and Support
On Your Side provides guidance on identifying warning signs, initiating a conversation with someone suspected of experiencing mental health problems, asking direct questions such as "are you thinking about suicide?" and directing them towards additional support.
The new guidelines dispel the "myth" that discussing suicide encourages the notion, stating: "In fact, it opens up a conversation that can help someone feel heard, less alone and more willing to seek support."
The toolkit has been developed by William's Royal Foundation in collaboration with the British Standards Institution, the UK's national standards body, and national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. The latter will offer advice via its Hub of Hope, a directory for mental health resources.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
