Prince William wants suicide prevention to be as routine in sport as a warm-up

This new initiative wants people to speak up when someone is struggling

Called 'On Your Side', the scheme is designed to help people feel more comfortable approaching someone they are concerned about. 

Whether it is a friend, relative, teammate or colleague, the aim is to give people the confidence to start a difficult conversation when they believe someone may be struggling with their mental health.

The project brings together several well-known figures from the sporting world, including Harry Kane, Kelly Holmes and Alan Shearer. 

By working with people who have a strong connection to sport, the initiative hopes to use its wide reach to make more people aware of suicide prevention and the support available to those experiencing a crisis.

More than 70 organisations are also supporting 'On Your Side'. Among them are the Football Association, the Premier League, Team GB and British Cycling, alongside several major mental health charities.

Prince William wants people to take mental health concerns seriously

The campaign also includes a film designed to encourage people to take mental health concerns seriously and feel able to act when they notice someone struggling. 

Narrated by the Prince of Wales, it addresses the stigma that can surround conversations about mental health and suicide, against the backdrop of around 7,000 people losing their lives to suicide in the UK every year.

England captain Harry Kane and boxer Carl Frampton both feature in the film, which focuses on a simple message that if someone appears to be experiencing mental health difficulties, offering support and starting a conversation can make a difference.

For those who may want to help but feel unsure about approaching the subject, 'On Your Side 'also provides a practical toolkit through the Hub of Hope website, completely free! 

It is aimed at people who might feel worried, uncomfortable or embarrassed about knowing what to say when they are concerned about someone else's wellbeing.

Why sports organisations have a bigger role to play

Prince William is expected to highlight the unique role sport can play in reaching people who may never seek professional mental health support themselves.

Speaking at Everton’s football ground on Thursday, he is expected to say: “Sport has the ability to reach people who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service.”

He will also point to those who “may never seek support themselves and may be struggling in silence.”

The Prince is expected to encourage sporting organisations across the country to consider how they can do more to support people who may be struggling. 

“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,” he will say.

William will also stress the importance of making support easier to access, saying he hopes 'On Your Side' will give people involved in sport the “clear, practical guidance” they need when they notice someone may be struggling, allowing them to help that person find the appropriate support.

The initiative is being launched today, 10 September, to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.