Prince William shares emotional mental health message

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

Prince William has joined forces with leading figures from across sport to raise awareness of suicide prevention and launch a first-of-its-kind prevention toolkit.

With the support of stars including England captain Harry Kane, F1 driver George Russell, footballer Alan Shearer, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and cycling stars Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, the Prince of Wales, 44, has launched the ‘On Your Side’ project.

Created by William and The Royal Foundation, it’s a set of resources available online that aim ‘to make suicide prevention as much a part of sport as warm-up, training and performance’.

On Thursday (10 September), in line with World Suicide Prevention Day, the royal is expected to launch the important new project at Everton’s stadium in Liverpool.

As reported by ITV News, in a written foreword to the toolkit, William said: “At every level, sport has a remarkable ability to bring people together, creating communities up and down the country which foster a spirit of healthy competition, a shared sense of purpose, and a culture of belonging.”

Prince William has teamed up with sports stars such as Harry Kane to launch a new project (Stefan Matzke - sampics /Getty Images)

“Sport can also provide vital connection and support at times when people need it most - times when they’re feeling pressure, loss or even despair,” William continued.

He explained that through his work on mental health, he has ‘met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide’.

William added: “But I have also met people whose lives have been saved because someone stepped in to help. Each of their experiences has had a profound impact on me.

“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.”

The Prince of Wales goes on to say: “Whatever your role - athlete, coach, parent, official or supporter - you may be the person who notices that someone is struggling.

“You could be the one who starts an honest conversation and who helps that person to find the support they need.”

The royal pointed out how sport can reach those ‘who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service, and he hopes every sporting organisation asks ‘What more can we do? Because the opportunity before us is enormous’.

He outlined how the toolkit gives ‘clear, practical guidance to do exactly that’.

William concluded: “I hope that On Your Side encourages everyone in sport, in every discipline and at every level, to make suicide prevention part of your game plan.”

The royal spoke of how 'sport has a remarkable ability to bring people together' (WPA Pool/Getty Images)

As per the BBC, 7,000 lives are lost to suicide each year in the UK.

On Your Side offers advice on spotting warning signs, starting a conversation with someone suspected of having mental health issues, asking more direct questions such as “are you thinking about suicide?” and advising them where they can find further support.

The new guidelines also debunk the myth that talking about suicide promotes the idea, stating: “In fact, it opens up a conversation that can help someone feel heard, less alone and more willing to seek support.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.