Kate joins William at launch of suicide prevention toolkit

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.“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.”William said speaking to people with experience of suicide ‘has had a profound impact on me’ (PA)PA WireAt 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.“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.”Read More– Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.