Royal initiative aims to embed suicide prevention in sport
Prince William launched a new toolkit called 'On Your Side' to make suicide prevention a standard part of sports culture. The resources are backed by over 70 organizations, including the FA, Premier League, and Team GB. The launch coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day and aims to provide clear guidance for those who notice someone struggling.
The launch occurred at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, which houses a 'talking bench' dedicated to Gary Speed, who died by suicide in 2011. Official figures for 2024 recorded 6,190 suicides in England and Wales, with men under 50 facing the highest risk and a rate roughly triple that of women.
Developed over two years with input from the NHS, Samaritans, and Mind, the toolkit is endorsed by over 70 organizations. A promotional video includes prominent athletes like Harry Kane, George Russell, and Rochelle Clark to encourage widespread adoption.
By embedding suicide prevention into routine sporting activities, this initiative could normalize help-seeking behavior across grassroots clubs and professional teams. It may particularly benefit men under 50, who face the highest statistical risk, by leveraging trusted environments like locker rooms. Providing clear guidance could empower coaches and teammates to intervene earlier, potentially reducing fragmented support and fostering a lasting cultural shift beyond the initial launch.