Prince William launches new sport initiative to combat UK suicide rate

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FT Desk

Prince William is heading a new initiative that will aim to address the suicide rate in the United Kingdom.

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

Suicide remains the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the overall rate remains much higher in males than in females.

Launched by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation, On Your Side is essentially an online "toolkit" that aims "to make suicide prevention as much a part of sport as warm-up, training and performance".

On Your Side is endorsed by more than 70 organisations, including the Football Association, Premier League, Team GB, British Cycling and a number of leading mental health charities.

"Through my work on mental health, I have met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide," said Prince William.

One conversation can change everything.

The world of sport is coming together behind one shared goal: suicide prevention.

To download the free ‘On Your Side' Toolkit, or if you need support, visit the link in bio.

Developed by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of… pic.twitter.com/jquTUHjqVZ

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 10, 2026

"But I have also met people whose lives have been saved because someone stepped in to help."

William has been open about his own mental health struggles in the past and hopes that the online platform can give people the help they need - not only people struggling themselves, but those who have noticed someone in their life who may be dealing with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues.

On Your Side is being launched to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

A promotional video for the organisation features Prince William and notable sportspeople like Harry Kane, F1 driver George Russell and Women's Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle 'Rocky' Clark.

The online platform will officially be launched at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend in memory of former player Gary Speed, who took his own life in 2011.

"For me, this is obviously very personal," said Alan Shearer, a close friend of Speed's.

"We can't always know when somebody is struggling, but we can all be better at asking, listening, and helping someone find the right support.

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

Prince William said he wants On Your Side to use sport's "remarkable ability to bring people together".

He added: "In moments of need, the right support can make all the difference. We all have the power to help, and that's why suicide prevention must be an important part of everyday sporting life."

According to the international players' union FIFPro, more than a quarter of professional footballers suffer from depression or anxiety problems.

Research showed that 26 per cent of players reported mental health problems, with that figure rising to 39 per cent among retired players.

You can download the online digital toolkit from On Your Side HERE.

The site itself describes who the toolkit is for:

The Toolkit is for anyone involved in sport who wants to better understand their role in suicide prevention. It is designed to build confidence, knowledge, skills and expertise, helping individuals and organisations understand what works and how to take action.

It explains how you can:

- Create safe and supportive environments where people feel able to speak up and support others in distress

- Make suicide prevention part of everyday practice, including policies and ways of working

- Educate those within your organisation, from raising awareness to responding to someone in crisis

- Put clear procedures in place for responding to crisis situations and providing support after a suicide

Together, these actions can make sporting environments not just places to perform and connect, but places where people feel safe and supported and know what to do to help prevent suicide.

The Toolkit can be used across all sporting environments, from local clubs to sports academies and elite organisations, regardless of size, structure, or level. It is relevant to everyone involved in sport, including players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and spectators. It does not replace legal responsibilities, but it can strengthen how organisations meet their duty of care.