PRINCE WILLIAM LAUNCHES SUICIDE PREVENTION TOOLKIT FOR SPORT

Prince William has launched On Your Side, a nationwide toolkit designed to help organisations across sport recognise and respond to suicide risk. Developed by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation, the toolkit provides online resources aimed at embedding suicide prevention into sporting culture at all levels. The project is backed by more than 70 organisations, including the Football Association, Premier League, Team GB and British Cycling, alongside leading mental health charities. The toolkit will be officially launched at Everton's stadium on 10 September, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.

Prince William stated that whilst current mental health services do valuable work, support across sport remains "fragmented" and "inconsistent, particularly at a grassroots level". He said the toolkit aims to give everyone involved in sport "clear, practical guidance" to help those who are struggling find support. A promotional video for the initiative features England men's football captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell and Women's Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle Clark. The launch venue was selected because Everton's stadium includes a talking bench erected in memory of former player Gary Speed, who died by suicide in November 2011.

According to Office for National Statistics recorded data, 6,190 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2024. Suicide remains the recorded leading cause of death for men under 50, with the recorded male rate at 17.6 per 100,000 people compared to 5.7 per 100,000 for females. Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer and a close friend of Speed, has given his backing to the initiative.