00:00I wanted to say a few words in support of On Your Side, the first suicide prevention
00:06toolkit designed for the whole of UK sport. We can't always know when somebody is struggling,
00:13but we can all be better at asking, listening and helping someone find the right support.
00:20If you've not seen yourself lately, might be nothing.
00:24There might be, might be something.
00:29I've noticed you've been a bit quiet.
00:32How many of you can stick around after practice?
00:34And you've missed a few lessons.
00:37You sure you're alright?
00:39Sport is being used as a new route into suicide prevention,
00:43with a toolkit designed for clubs, organisations and people involved at every level.
00:49Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has launched this new initiative,
00:53with the aim to make it easier to notice when someone may be struggling,
00:57to start a conversation and to help them find support.
01:00The initiative is intended for communities across the country,
01:04from professional teams to grassroots activity,
01:07where sport can provide regular contact, friendship and a sense of belonging.
01:11In the foreword of the toolkit, Prince William says,
01:15At every level, sport has a remarkable ability to bring people together,
01:19creating communities up and down the country,
01:21which foster a spirit of healthy competition,
01:24a shared sense of purpose and a culture of belonging.
01:26He added that sport can also provide vital connection and support at times when people need it most,
01:33times when they're feeling pressure, loss or even despair.
01:37He added,
01:38Through my work on mental health, I have met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide,
01:42but I have also met people whose lives have been saved because someone stepped in to help.
01:47Each of their experiences has had a profound impact on me.
01:52In moments of need, the right support can make all the difference.
01:56We all have the power to help and that's why suicide prevention must be an important part of everyday sporting
02:01life.
02:05You don't have to be an expert, you don't have to have all the answers,
02:10but I hope that everyone in sport will use the toolkit.
02:13On this one, we can all be on the same side.
02:26Are you thinking about suicide?
02:30You don't need to be an expert to support someone who's struggling.
02:34You just need to find the courage to have the conversation.
02:39If you think someone's not okay, ask.
02:42One conversation can change everything.
02:46The plan is for the resource to be used across sporting organisations and grassroots networks,
02:52putting suicide prevention into settings where people already spend time together.
02:58The Royal Foundation says more than 7,000 people die by suicide across the UK each year
03:04and that men are disproportionately affected.
03:07It says sport has particular reach within that group.
03:10The approach is based on the idea that people may be more likely to talk in familiar environments,
03:16rather than seeking help through formal mental health services.
03:20Several major sporting bodies have committed to using the resource.
03:24The Football Association plans to embed it across its organisation,
03:28including its community and grassroots football network.
03:31The Premier League and British Cycling are committing to prioritise suicide prevention,
03:37while Team GB will use the toolkit with athletes and staff.
03:41The initiative also includes a film featuring sports figures,
03:45intended to encourage people to feel more confident about starting a conversation
03:49when someone may need help.
03:51That means the approach could reach people through activities they already take part in,
03:55rather than relying only on formal healthcare settings.
03:58The intention is that coaches, staff, athletes and others involved in sport
04:03will be better placed to recognise warning signs and connect people with support.
04:08The Hub of Hope has released information on signs to spot
04:12when someone you know and love may be in need of support.
04:15These signs focus on the person, the transition and the environment.
04:19If the person is experiencing social, emotional or physical health issues,
04:23it may be worth noting.
04:25This leads to the transition.
04:26The transition consists of a period of uncertainty, loss or significant change,
04:32such as financial instability or injury.
04:35Then we look at the environment, wherein if the culture includes discrimination
04:39or bullying or stigma, for example.
04:42The Hub of Hope also wants to look out for someone who may withdraw from a team or matches,
04:47missing training without explanation, having emotional outbursts or flatness.
04:51The next stage will be putting the guidance into practice across sporting organisations and community settings.
04:57The intention is that coaches, staff, athletes and others involved in sport
05:02will be better placed to recognise warning signs and connect people with support.
05:07Anyone affected by the issue can contact Samaritans for free at any time on 116123.
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