A new initiative is calling on fitness and sports coaches to check in on members’ mental health / Shutterstock–farinasfoto
The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales is calling on gyms, sports clubs and physical activity organisations to make suicide prevention part of everyday practice, with the launch of a new free toolkit.
On Your Side was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) in partnership with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma and the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Hosted on Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope platform, the resource has been designed to help people across sport and physical activity – from elite organisations to grassroots clubs – recognise when someone may be struggling, start potentially life-saving conversations and connect them with appropriate support.
In 2024, 6,190 suicides were registered in England and Wales. Men remain at significantly higher risk, with the highest suicide rate among men aged 50 to 54.
The initiative builds on the ability of sport and physical activity settings to reach people who may not otherwise engage with mental health services. The guidance is relevant across the fitness and sports sectors, particularly as growing numbers of people turn to gyms and exercise to support their mental wellbeing.
The toolkit offers practical advice on recognising potential warning signs, opening a conversation, asking direct questions, listening and helping someone access appropriate support.
Developed over two years, it was informed by consultation with organisations including the NHS, Samaritans and Mind. More than 70 organisations are backing the initiative, including the Football Association, Premier League, Team GB and British Cycling.
The launch is being supported by a short film featuring England football captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell, former world champion boxer Carl Frampton, GB international basketball player Kofi Josephs, Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark and former elite jockey George Baker.
In the film, the athletes encourage people to check in on those around them and have the confidence to begin potentially difficult conversations.
The Prince of Wales provides the voiceover, saying: “You don’t need to be an expert to support someone who’s struggling. You just need to find the courage to have the conversation.”
In the toolkit’s foreword, Prince William highlights the role sporting communities can play in noticing when someone needs help and connecting them with support: “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?’”
