William and Kate launch 'On Your Side' suicide prevention toolkit at Everton

Prince William and Princess Kate attended an event at Everton Football Club's stadium on World Suicide Prevention Day to mark the launch of a new suicide prevention toolkit backed by the prince.

The resource, called 'On Your Side', is an online tool aimed at athletes across sport. It is designed for grassroots players, professionals, organisations and fans, offering help in navigating issues related to mental health.

During the visit, the couple were shown a presentation of the toolkit on a digital display in the players' changing room. They then walked through the stadium tunnel onto the pitch, where they met sporting figures supporting the project and interacted with attendees, posing for photographs.

The toolkit has been promoted by England captain Harry Kane and other athletes, who have urged the sporting world to adopt it.

At the event, the Football Association, of which William is royal patron, was expected to commit to integrating the suicide prevention resource into its organisation, extending it across its community and grassroots football network. The Premier League, British Cycling and Team GB were also expected to adopt the resource for their athletes and staff.

In a foreword written for the toolkit, William said he hoped it would encourage everyone in sport, at every discipline and level, to make suicide prevention part of their game plan.