His Royal Highness was in attendance at Everton's stadium with Princess Kate to launch a new mental health awareness campaign
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium today
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium today(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/PA Wire)
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Prince William said it felt particularly meaningful to launch his new mental health awareness campaign in Liverpool. His Royal Highness was in attendance with Princess Kate at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Prince of Wales was initially scheduled to conduct the engagement on his own, but the Princess was a welcome last minute addition to the vital programme of events. The Prince and Princess of Wales were in attendance at Everton's home to call on the sporting sector to unite behind a shared goal to prevent suicide.
The Royals officially launched On Your Side: A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for People in Sport in a first of its kind initiative designed to strengthen suicide prevention across sporting environments. The location was poignant as the Royals first paid tribute to the legacy of late former Everton footballer Gary Speed, who took his own life in 2011, at the memorial bench erected on the grounds in his honour.
They spoke to the Welsh legend’s mum, Carol Speed, and also to a young man named Sam who had received support from Everton in the Community. Following this meeting, His and Her Royal Highness made their way to the home dressing room when they were greeted by Jake Mills who spoke about his Chasing the Stigma charity.
The Prince and Princess of Wales sat on the Gary Speed memorial bench with the late footballer's mum, Carol
The Prince and Princess of Wales sat on the Gary Speed memorial bench with the late footballer's mum, Carol(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/PA Wire)
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The Royals were then joined by Gabby Logan as they made the walk down the tunnel onto the state of the art pitch of the brand new ground. They were greeted by several mental health campaigners and Everton FC legends on the pitch of the Premier League stadium. Tony Bellew, Graeme Sharp and Jill Scott were among the famous faces to pose alongside the Royals in the group photo.
At a speech to launch the new initiative, Prince William started with a nod to his surroundings as he said: "It's great to be here at the Hill Dickinson stadium, the home of the Toffees."
The Prince made reference to his own football allegiances as he joked: "As an Aston Villa fan, I know I may not be among friends when it comes to football, but I promise not to mention the 1897 FA Cup final [when Villa beat Everton 3 - 2."
The Prince and Princess of Wales pose with guests during a visit to Everton FC's Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, to meet leading figures from across sport to call on the sector to unite behind a shared goal to prevent suicide
The Prince and Princess of Wales pose with guests during a visit to Everton FC's Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, to meet leading figures from across sport to call on the sector to unite behind a shared goal to prevent suicide(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/PA Wire)
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The Prince pivoted to the serious subject matter of the day as he said Liverpool was the ideal location to launch the new initiative. He said: "One of the great things about sport is that it brings people together. Whatever colours we wear.
"It's something that feels particularly meaningful in Liverpool. Six years ago, I stood a few miles from here at Goodison Park to talk about Heads Up. That campaign set to change the conversation around mental health through the power of football. It showed what sport can do when it uses it platform for something bigger than the game itself.
"Today we are here to take another important step forward. Suicide remains one of the greatest challenges facing our society. Many people would have felt this impact personally. You will know families whose lives have been changed forever by loss and today we will remember them.
"We recommit ourselves to do everything we can to prevent more families experiencing the pain. Sport reaches people in the way that few other sectors can."
Everyone in attendance received the Suicide Prevention Toolkit, which they were invited to read to educate themselves on how to seek help, and how to provide for a friend in need. The event was hosted by Gabby Logan and featured a number of powerful talks from notable figures on the importance of protecting your mental health.
Campbell Hatton spoke about the impact of losing his dad, Ricky Hatton, last year. Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Laura Kenny candidly opened up on their own mental health struggles, which they were contending with while operating at an elite level of their respective sports.
Campbell Hatton speaks during the launch of On Your Side: A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for People in Sport
Campbell Hatton speaks during the launch of On Your Side: A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for People in Sport(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/PA Wire)
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Prince William ended his speech on an important note as he said anyone who is struggling with their mental health is not alone. He added: "There are people who care about you. People who want to help and support is available. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. Whether it is a friend, a family member a teammate, a coach, or a professional service. Please take that first step and reach out to someone you trust.
"Because your life matters and help is there." To the people in the room, he continued: "Make suicide prevention part of your gameplan, part of your culture, part of your duty of care and help ensure that anyone who is struggling knows they're not alone, that support is available and that someone is on their side."