To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Prince of Wales has launched "On Your Side," a new toolkit designed to help sporting organizations address suicide prevention. Supported by athletes like Harry Kane and George Russell, the initiative aims to integrate mental health support directly into the culture of sports.

The 72-page 'On Your Side' toolkit launch at Everton’s stadium

The "On Your Side" initiative, which includes a comprehensive 72-page document, was unveiled at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. Developed in partnership with the British Standards Institution and the mental health charity Chasing the Stigma, the toolkit provides sporting bodies with the practical approaches needed to support those in crisis. According to the report,the Prince of Wales was joined at the event by several prominent figures, icnluding Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, as well as former Lioness Jill Scott and presenter Gabby Logan.

Hazel Detsiny, the executive director of the Royal Foundation, emphasized that the toolkit encourages direct communication. As reported by the source, Detsiny noted that saying the word "suicide" directly and calmly can actually reduce stigma and make it easier for people to express their true feelings. The Prince of Wales expressed his hope that every sporting organization in the country will evaluate the resource and ask how they can do more to support their members.

Why Harry Kane and George Russell are championing the 'game plan'

High-profile athletes such as footballer Harry Kane and Formula One driver George Russell are serving as the faces of this new mental health "game plan." A short film released to mark the launch featres a diverse group of sporting stars, including boxer Carl Frampton,GB basketball player Kofi Josephs, and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rocky Clark. other participants in the film include Muay Thai champion Ruqsana Begum and former elite jockey George Baker.

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These athletes are using their platforms to encourage open dialogue about mental health struggles.. in the campaign film, Kane is seen asking the direct and difficult question, "Are you thinking about suicide?" The goal is to utilize the unique reach of the sporting community to connect with individuals who may never seek traditional mental healthcare services but might find support through their athletic connections.

A connection to the 2011 loss of Gary Speed

The emotional weight of this initiative is tied to the history of professional football, specifically the 2011 death of former Wales captain and Everton midfielder Gary Speed. The report notes that former England footballer Alan Shearer, who was deeply affected by the loss of his close friend, is among the many supporters of the Royal Foundation’s mission. This historical context highlights the devastating impact that suicide can have on the sporting community.

Prince William has made mental health a central pillar of his public work, often speaking about the profound impact of these tragedies. The report mentions that his eyes filled with tears during a previous encounter with Rhian Mannings, whose husband died by suicide. This personal connection drives the Prince's mission to ensure that suicide prevention becomes a standard part of everyday sporting life.

Will the FA and Team GB's commitment reach grassroots clubs?

While major sporting bodies like the Football Association, Team GB, and British Cycling have already committed to implementing the toolkit, the long-term reach of the project remains an open question. it is currently unverified how the resources will be distributed to amateur leagues or local community clubs that may lack the administrative capacity of professional organizations. While the toolkit aims to build "knowledge , confidence and practical approaches," the specific mechanism for scaling this from elite levels to the grassroots remains to be seen.