NCSR Director Professor Ann John has co-authored ‘On Your Side’, the Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Sport, a new initiative designed to support suicide prevention, intervention and support across the sporting sector.
The toolkit has been co-produced by The Royal Foundation, BSI and Hub of Hope, bringing together expertise, evidence and the unique power and reach of sport.
The resource is designed for people across all levels of sport, including players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and spectators, with practical guidance to help people recognise warning signs, start conversations and support someone who may be struggling.
Prof. Ann John co-authored the toolkit, alongside experts, sports organisations and people with different perspectives
Professor Ann John said:
“Having co-authored On Your Side, the Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Sport, I believe its real strength lies in bringing together the unique power and reach of sport with the rigour of a BSI standard.”
She added:
“This is not only an opportunity to strengthen suicide prevention across sport. It can provide a blueprint for other sectors – demonstrating what becomes possible when convening power, co-production and the reach of a sector are combined with the strength of an established standard to turn evidence and principles into practical action.”
The toolkit was unveiled today (September 10th 2026), World Suicide Prevention Day, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium by The Prince of Wales, alongside leading figures from across sport.
The launch is supported by sporting figures including Harry Kane, Alan Shearer, Dame Kelly Holmes, Gabby Logan and Jill Scott.