The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William in Liverpool today as he launched a new suicide prevention toolkit designed for the sports sector. The event took place at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the prince officially unveiled the On Your Side initiative.
William and Kate travelled to Liverpool to mark the start of the toolkit, which aims to encourage people to have the confidence to start a conversation about suicide. The royal couple were joined by a host of sporting stars, including Olympic gold medal winners 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.
Surprise appearance and personal meeting
Only William had originally been scheduled to attend, but the princess, dressed in a blue suit, accompanied him unannounced to show her support for the project. It is understood she also wanted to highlight the difference that can be made when people are able to talk openly about how they are feeling, and when they know that someone is there to listen.
As they arrived at the stadium, the couple met Carole Speed, the mother of the late Gary Speed, the former Everton midfielder and Wales manager who took his own life in 2011 at the age of 42. William and Kate chatted to her as they sat on a special talking bench at the stadium, which was unveiled in her son's memory and encourages people to speak openly about their mental health.
Toolkit details and celebrity support
The new On Your Side toolkit has been designed for those working or volunteering in sport. It gives advice on the warning signs to spot in someone struggling and how people can start conversations and get support before a mental health crisis occurs. In a new film released earlier today, England captain Harry Kane and other sporting stars, including Formula 1 driver George Russell and boxer Carl Frampton, can be seen using conversation starters to ask those they spot struggling with their mental health if they want to talk.
In the film, Kane says: “If you think someone is not OK, ask. One conversation can change everything.” William is not seen in the film but delivers 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.”
Partnership and availability
The toolkit, launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, has been produced in partnership between the UK's national standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI), and mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. It is available on Chasing the Stigma's Hub of Hope website and app, the UK's largest mental health directory. It has been developed by experts and designed to be used by sports clubs from grassroots organisations to professional outfits, including players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and fans.
The guidelines debunk the “myth” that talking about suicide promotes the idea, stating: “In fact, it opens up a conversation that can help someone feel heard, less alone and more willing to seek support.” Research commissioned by the Royal Foundation shows that sport has the potential to be a “powerful platform” for suicide prevention but is “hampered by stigma - particularly among men and elite athletes”.
William has penned a foreword for the guidance, in which he writes: “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.” He adds: “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.”
The Football Association, which William supports as patron, will commit to embedding the new advice across its organisation, including its community and grassroots football network. The Premier League and British Cycling will announce their commitment to prioritising suicide prevention, and Team GB will use the resource with all athletes and staff. Other organisations signed up include British Horseracing Authority, England Rugby and the Women's Super League. The toolkit is available at hubofhope.co.uk/OnYourSide.
