Prince William is set to convene a panel of prominent sports personalities this Thursday for the debut of an innovative suicide prevention toolkit, the first of its kind, aimed at helping sporting organisations identify warning signs and provide assistance to individuals at risk. The high‑profile gathering will be held at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. Among the distinguished guests joining the Prince of Wales are Dame Kelly Holmes, broadcaster Gabby Logan, boxer Campbell Hatton, footballer Jill Scott and Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny, all of whom will help launch the initiative known as “On Your Side.” The toolkit has been created through a partnership between The Royal Foundation, the British Standards Institution and the mental‑health charity Chasing the Stigma. Its purpose is to embed suicide‑prevention practices into the everyday operations of the sporting sector, making the conversation about mental health as routine as training drills.
The resource will be accessible via Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope, which is the United Kingdom’s largest directory of mental‑health services. To mark the launch, The Royal Foundation has produced a short film that encourages people to feel confident initiating discussions about suicide. The video features a roster of high‑profile athletes, including England football captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell, two‑weight world champion boxer Carl Frampton, Great Britain basketball player Kofi Josephs, Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rocky Clark, multi‑disciplinary champion Ruqsana Begum, and former elite jockey‑turned‑coach George Baker.
Major governing bodies such as The Football Association (FA), the Premier League, British Cycling and Team GB have pledged to adopt the toolkit across their structures. The FA, of which Prince William serves as patron, will integrate the guidance throughout its entire organisation, extending the approach to community and grassroots football networks. Both the Premier League and British Cycling have announced plans to prioritise suicide prevention within their clubs and member organisations, while Team GB intends to make the resource available to all athletes and support staff.
In addition to these headline partners, more than a dozen other sport‑related entities have signed up to champion the toolkit, committing to embed evidence‑based suicide‑prevention techniques into their daily routines. The guidance offers practical advice on creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to speak up and assist others in distress. It includes recommended language, conversation starters and clear protocols for handling crises and offering post‑incident support.
Central to the resource is a five‑step framework called GOALS, which is designed to help anyone start a conversation about suicide. The acronym breaks down as follows: *G – Get the conversation started* *O – Offer empathy and listen* *A – Ask directly about suicidal thoughts* *L – Listen without judgment* *S – Support with a plan for safety* The toolkit is intended for use across the full spectrum of sport, from local community clubs and youth academies to elite professional organisations, regardless of size or structure.
It is relevant to players, coaches, administrators, volunteers, families and even spectators who wish to contribute to a healthier mental‑health culture. Research commissioned by The Royal Foundation highlighted that the sports sector holds considerable potential as a platform for suicide prevention, yet it is often hampered by stigma—particularly among men and high‑performing athletes—alongside gaps in knowledge, skills and resources. While there are pockets of effective practice and strong goodwill throughout sport, the sector’s sheer scale and diversity mean that efforts can become siloed, inconsistent and unevenly funded.
At the grassroots level, many clubs lack clear guidance on how to recognise risk factors and respond appropriately. During the launch event, representatives from various corners of the sports ecosystem will share insights and reflections from their own organisations in a session chaired by Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community. This dialogue aims to illustrate real‑world applications of the toolkit and encourage cross‑sector learning.
The initiative builds on the National Suicide Prevention Network, which was introduced in autumn 2025 with more than £1 million of funding from The Royal Foundation for an initial three‑year period. The network’s ambition is to drive lasting change in how suicide is understood and prevented across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Prince and Princess of Wales, together with The Royal Foundation, have long prioritised shifting the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention. Their goal is to dismantle stigma, ensure that people receive the right support at the right time, and make help readily accessible wherever it is needed.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please visit the Hub of Hope for resources, or call 111 for immediate assistance in the UK. For those outside the United Kingdom, reach out to your local health service or emergency helpline for support.