Beijing time (CEST) on September 10, according to the BBC, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Prince William launched a new national toolkit, calling on sporting events at all levels to integrate suicide prevention into their cultural systems.

Gary Speed, former midfielder for Everton, Leeds United and Newcastle, who died by suicide in 2011

The online resource, named "On Your Side", was launched by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation, with the aim of "making suicide prevention as integral to sport as warm-ups, training and competition".

The project is supported by more than 70 organisations, including the FA, the Premier League, Team GB, British Cycling and numerous major mental health charities.

Prince William said: "In my work on mental health, I have seen many lives completely changed by suicide, but also many lives saved by the swift intervention of others."

The 44-year-old royal, who has spoken openly about his own mental health struggles, acknowledged that despite the beneficial work already carried out by existing services, related initiatives are often "fragmented", with "inconsistent support, particularly at local level".

Prince William also expressed hope that the "On Your Side" toolkit would provide "clear and practical guidance" to anyone involved in sport who identifies someone in distress, helping them access the support they need.

The "On Your Side" project was launched on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 6,190 suicides were recorded in England and Wales in 2024.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under 50, and the male suicide rate (17.6 per 100,000) is significantly higher than that for women (5.7 per 100,000).

The "On Your Side" promotional video features England's men's football team captain Harry Kane, F1 driver George Russell, and Women's Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle "Rocky" Clark.

The official launch ceremony for the toolkit took place at Everton Football Club's Goodison Park, chosen because the stadium features a "talking bench" built in memory of the club's former player Gary Speed.

Speed, who captained and managed the Welsh national team, also played for Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Sheffield United, and died by suicide in November 2011.

Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer and Match of the Day pundit, a close friend of Speed, also joined the athletes supporting the project.

Shearer said: "This project obviously means a great deal to me."

"We don't always perceive the pain of others, but we can all be more proactive in asking questions, listening and helping others find appropriate support."

"You don't need to be an expert, and you don't need to have all the answers, but I hope everyone in sport will use this toolkit."

Prince William said he hoped "On Your Side" could harness the "powerful unifying force" of sport.

He added: "At times when people need help, the right support can make a profound difference. Each of us has the capacity to reach out, which is why suicide prevention must be an important part of everyday sports life."

The NHS, the Samaritans and mental health charity Mind all participated in the consultation on the development of the "On Your Side" toolkit.

The Royal Foundation stated that the project took two years to complete, and while launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, this is not a "one-day event" but aims to have a long-term and far-reaching impact.

Traduit par IA.

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