UK's Prince William, with wife Kate, launches sports drive to prevent suicide

Prince William and Kate Lead UK Sports Suicide Prevention Initiative

Royal Campaign for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Sports

LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Prince William, joined by his wife Kate and a host of leading British sporting figures, launched a new initiative on Thursday aimed at helping the sports sector play a greater role in suicide prevention.

The issue of mental health and suicide prevention is one of the British heir's key campaigning priorities. Last October he came close to tears as he discussed the impact of suicide with a woman whose husband had taken his own life.

The Power of Sport in Mental Health

"Sport has the ability to reach people who may never walk through the door of a mental healthcare service," William said at Everton soccer club's ground on World Suicide Prevention Day.

The campaign is backed by England captain Harry Kane, former striker Alan Shearer and Olympic gold medallists Kelly Holmes and husband-and-wife cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny.

Royal Family's Continued Advocacy

It was William's highest profile appearance in Britain since his brother, Prince Harry, and his wife and children, returned to live in Britain last month.

The brothers, who have fallen out since Harry moved to the United States six years ago and publicly criticised the royal family in interviews and his memoir, previously campaigned together to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Aiming to Create a Movement Across Sport

AIMING TO CREATE A MOVEMENT ACROSS SPORT

William's Vision for Suicide Prevention

William described suicide as one of society's greatest challenges and said preventing it was everyone's responsibility.

"We want to start a movement across sport," he said. "We're calling for a commitment to create environments where people feel able to speak openly, where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, and where support is never out of reach."

About the "On Your Side" Initiative

The initiative, called "On Your Side", has been developed by the Royal Foundation, the charitable organisation founded by William and Kate. It aims to help people involved in sport recognise warning signs and support those struggling before they reach crisis point.

Toolkit Adoption by Sports Organizations

William's office, Kensington Palace, said the initiative's toolkit could be used by organisations ranging from grassroots clubs to elite sports bodies.

The Football Association, Premier League and British Cycling are set to commit to incorporating the toolkit into their policies and practices, the palace said.

Reporting and Editing Credits

(Reporting by Michael Holden and Sarah YoungEditing by Ros Russell)