Thu, September 10, 2026
Prince William launches “first suicide prevention toolkit designed for the whole of UK Sport” alongside sports stars
Aligning with Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place on 10 September every year, Prince William and the British Standards Institution launched ‘On Your Side,’ which is the “first suicide prevention toolkit designed for the whole of UK Sport,” alongside sports stars such as former England professional footballer, Alan Shearer, England football captain, Harry Kane, former Olympic 800m and 1500m champion, Dame Kelly Holmes, former Northern Irish professional boxer, Carl Frampton, former British gymnast and well-known commentator, Gabby Logan, and former England footballer, Jill Scott.
The launch took place at Everton Football Club in Liverpool where Welsh professional footballer and manager, Gary Speed, had played before sadly committing suicide in 2011.
The Football Association, of which Prince William is patron, the Premier League, British Cycling, the British Horseracing Authority, England Rugby and Team GB are also providing support to the initiative, as well as the charity Chasing the Stigma. Founder of the charity, Jake Mills, voiced that sport is a “real force for good” and encourages people to “[look] out for one another.”
Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive of the Football Association, hopes to witness sports organisations “[create] a culture where conversations about well-being are really encouraged. Where people feel comfortable asking for help and also know where to get it.”
Prince William stated: “Sport has the ability to reach people who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service…
People who may never seek support themselves and may be struggling in silence. The sporting community can help change that.”
The initiative aims to encourage people to have the “difficult conversations” with friends, family, teammates or colleagues. Sky Sport has specified that “the toolkit is designed for use across all sporting environments, from local clubs and academies to elite organisations, regardless of size, structure or level. It is relevant to everyone involved in sport, including players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and spectators.”
Of course, mental health issues have the ability to impact all groups within society, but it is the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. The stigma surrounding mental health issues contributes to the loss of 7,000 people each year in the UK due to suicide.
Prince William expressed: “My hope is that every sporting organisation in the country will look at what is being launched today and ask a question: ‘What more can we do?’ Because the opportunity before us is enormous…
We all have the power to help, and that’s why suicide prevention must be an important part of everyday sporting life.”
‘On your side’ will feature a free online toolkit for those worried about asking for guidance directly in person first. The initiative uses the acronym ‘GOALS.’ ‘G’ stands for ‘Get Ready,’ ‘O’ for ‘Open the Conversation,’ ‘A’ for ‘Ask the Question, ‘L’ for ‘Listen and Respond’ and ‘S’ for ‘Support and Signpost.’
The initiative expands on the National Suicide Prevention Network, launched in 2025 with more than £1 million of funding from The Royal Foundation across an initial three-year period.
Sport Resolutions’ previous annual conference explored how athletes face unique risk factors, from injury and concussion to identity loss, pain, performance pressure, and mental health stigma, all of which can increase vulnerability. To find out more about the session that was delivered, please click here.
You can download the Toolkit PDF and the British Standard here.
Image from Hub of Hope by Chasing the Stigma.
