The Princess of Wales has joined her husband Prince William at a special event at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium today, where he is officially launching a brand new toolkit aimed at preventing suicide through the power of sport13:08, 10 Sep 2026Updated 15:26, 10 Sep 2026Prince William and Kate visit Everton's Hill Dickson Stadium The Prince and Princess of Wales have honoured the legacy of former Wales manager Gary Speed as William launched a new initiative encouraging people to have the confidence to start a conversation about suicide.‌Both William and Kate travelled to Liverpool to visit Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium today, where the prince officially launched a brand new toolkit aimed at preventing suicide through the power of sport - and met Speed's mum Carol at a special bench erected last season in memory of the former Toffees player.‌To mark the start of the new toolkit, the royal couple were also joined by a host of sporting stars, including Olympic gold medal winners Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Laura Kenny as well as Lioness Jill Scott, Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and boxer Campbell Hatton, the son of Ricky Hatton, who took his own life last year.‌Only William had originally been scheduled to attend the event but unannounced the princess, dressed in a blue suit, accompanied him as she wanted to show her support for the project being launched today.It is understood she also wanted to highlight the difference that she feels can be made when people are able to talk openly about how they are feeling, and when they know that someone is there to listen.‌As they arrived at the stadium, the couple met Mrs Speed, whose son took his own life in 2011 at the age of 42. William and Kate chatted to her as they sat on a special talking bench at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which encourages people to speak openly about their mental health.In the past, Mrs Speed has said she will never find the answer to why her son died but has urged others to talk about their mental health and seek help. William, with the princess by his side, asked Mrs Speed if she thought Gary was a “breakthrough“ moment for people talking and she replied it was. William also commented about suicide and “learning the language to talk about it”.‌The trio were joined John Bilsborrow, a mental health support worker with the club’s charitable arm Everton in the Community, who sits on the bench during match days, as a point of contact for anyone needing help.The new 'On Your Side' toolkit, which has launched today has been designed for those working or volunteering in sport, gives advice on the warning signs to spot in someone struggling and how people can start conversations and get support before a mental health crisis occurs.In a new film, released earlier today, England captain Harry Kane and other sporting stars, including Formula 1 driver George Russell and boxer Carl Frampton, can be seen using conversation starters to ask those they spot struggling with their mental health if they want to talk.‌And in it, the England captain says: “If you think someone is not OK, ask. One conversation can change everything.” William is not seen in the film but delivers the voiceover: “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.”The new toolkit, launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, has been produced in a partnership between the UK’s national standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI) and mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. It is available on Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope website and app, the UK’s largest mental health directory.‌It has been developed by experts and designed to be used by sports clubs from grassroots organisations to professional outfits and can be used by players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and fans.The new guidelines 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.”‌It has been aimed at the sports sector as research commissioned by the Royal Foundation shows that sport has the potential to be a "powerful platform" for suicide prevention but is "hampered by stigma - particularly among men and elite athletes".The toolkit includes information on how to create an environment where people can speak up, conversation starters for those concerned about suicide, how to spot the signs of someone in crisis and where people can get support.The future King has penned a foreword for the suicide prevention guidance, and says: “Through my work on mental health, I have met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide.‌“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.”‌He goes on to write: “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.“This toolkit gives you clear, practical guidance to do exactly that. 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.”Article continues belowThe Football Association, which William supports as patron, will commit to embedding new advice across the organisation, including its community and grassroots football network. The Premier League and British Cycling will announce their commitment to prioritising suicide prevention and Team GB will use the resource with all athletes and staff. Other organisations signed up include British Horseracing Authority, England Rugby and the Women's Super League.To access the toolkit, visit hubofhope.co.uk/OnYourSide. When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org