Kate joins William at launch of suicide prevention toolkitThe Prince of Wales had been expected to attend the event in Liverpool solo.The Princess of Wales has joined her husband for the launch of the suicide prevention toolkit (PA)PA WireTony Jones5 minutes ago
The Princess of Wales has made a surprise visit to Liverpool to support the launch of her husband’s suicide prevention toolkit.
William was due to attend the event at Everton Football Club solo, with a host of sporting stars backing the online resource aimed at grassroots players, professionals, organisations and fans.
But unannounced, Kate stepped from their chauffeur-driven vehicle with William after it pulled into the grounds of Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The launch is the first joint royal event the couple have undertaken since their summer break and the return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK.
A video promoting the toolkit was screened for the first time earlier, featuring England captain Harry Kane and other leading competitors urging the sporting world to adopt the online resource.
The future king has written a foreword for the toolkit, called On Your Side, in which he said: “Through my work on mental health, I have met people whose lives have been changed forever by suicide.
William said speaking to people with experience of suicide ‘has had a profound impact on me’ (PA)PA Wire
“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.”
At the launch, the Football Association, which William supports as patron, will commit to embedding the toolkit 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.
William 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.
Read More
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal eye huge double deal; major Man Utd boost
Liverpool injury update: Barcola, Gakpo and Kerkez latest return dates
Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ expected to sell for £220,000 at auction
Winter escapes and activities to end the year in style
“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.”
The couple’s first duty was to honour the legacy of Gary Speed by sitting on a bench erected last season in memory of the former Everton player and manager of Wales, who was found hanged in his home in 2011.
They were joined by the sportsman’s mother Carol Speed who in the past 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.
The prince, 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.
– Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
MORE ABOUT
Princess Of WalesFootball AssociationLiverpoolPrince of WalesHarry Kane