Prince William has delivered his most powerful speech on suicide prevention yet, standing before 250 people at Everton's football stadium for the unveiling of a new toolkit designed for the sport sector.
The Prince of Wales spoke about suicide being everyone's responsibility, highlighting that friends, colleagues, family members and coaches are best placed to spot if someone else is struggling. By spending so much time with one another, it is those close to a person who can spot changes in behaviour and have the opportunity to reach out.
Breaking Down Barriers in Mental Health
William is determined to be at the forefront of the movement breaking down barriers and ensuring that suicide prevention becomes part of everyday culture. He strongly believes there should not be a stigma attached to poor mental health or to those affected by people who have died by suicide.
The On Your Side toolkit breaks things down clearly, helping people to identify warning signs, empower them to reach out and signpost people in the right place.
A Message of Strength and Support
The prince also sought to reassure those going through hard times that they are loved, cared about and that people want to help - things that are easily lost in the midst of a mental health crisis.
"Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength," he says, as he helps to dismantle boundaries and normalise the prevalence of suicidal thoughts.
Encouraging Kindness and Openness
His speech was a reminder that no one knows what someone else is going through or what battles people face beneath the surface, so be kind and make sure you check on those around you.
In a world where there is more pressure than ever to be perfect in everything you do, from sport to work and relationships, William is at the forefront of a movement that seeks to remind everyone that it is ok not to be ok. Help is out there, and the more we speak about suicide and mental health, the better equipped we are to handle it and help ensure that no single life is lost to suicide.
