Prince William has warned that modern life has left people so wrapped up in themselves that they are missing a vital opportunity to save lives. The Prince of Wales spoke about what keeps him going during his own "dreary days" in a candid clip posted to Instagram by Liverpool social media sensation Ryan Hall, known as Still Ryan.
Relaxed chat at Everton's stadium
In the video, filmed at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the royal sat down with the Croxteth-born influencer for a relaxed conversation about tea, cake and mental health. Before discussing deeper issues, Ryan asked if the pair could get a brew and a slice of Victoria sponge away from the madness.
"Definitely," William said, asking who was baking before Ryan confessed they would probably just buy it. Asked if he takes sugar with his tea, the Prince revealed a quiet lifestyle shift: "I used to, not anymore."
Advice for 'rainy, dreary days'
When Ryan asked what gives the future King hope on a "rainy, dreary day" when the weight of the world is on his shoulders, William urged people to stop looking inward. "I think life's so busy now, we forget to listen," the Prince said. "We all want to talk about ourselves. We all get in our own little worlds too much, and sometimes lifting your eyes up to the horizon is really important as you kind of notice what's around you."
"I see the power of the collective, of everyone together, being able to support one another, show kindness, show the fact that we have got time for each other, we can listen," he added.
New mental health toolkit launched
The Prince was in Merseyside alongside his wife, the Princess of Wales, and sports icons including double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and Lioness legend Jill Scott to launch a new mental health toolkit. Called On Your Side, the initiative calls on the entire sporting world, from grassroots Sunday league teams to Premier League giants, to incorporate suicide prevention into their "game plan."
Developed by William's Royal Foundation alongside charity Chasing the Stigma and the British Standards Institution, the project aims to help coaches, teammates and fans spot the early warning signs of a mental health crisis. Writing in the foreword to the guidance, William said: "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."
Voicing a new star-studded video promoting the toolkit, the royal added: "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."
Selfie moment
Before wrapping up their stadium catch-up, Ryan, who has previously spoken openly about going to therapy for his mental health, asked the royal for a quick photo. "Yeah, of course we can get a selfie," William said, posing alongside the content creator in what Ryan dubbed "the best selfie I've ever got."
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.
