On Your Side is a new suicide prevention toolkit developed by Chasing the Stigma, in partnership with The Royal Foundation and the British Standards Institution (BSI), to help people across sport and physical activity create safer, more supportive environments for those experiencing mental health challenges.
Designed for everyone involved in sport, from grassroots clubs and community groups to larger organisations and governing bodies, the toolkit provides practical guidance, resources and information to help individuals and organisations better understand their role in suicide prevention.
The resource has been developed to make suicide prevention a normal, practical and accessible part of sporting environments. It covers topics including understanding suicide, having supportive conversations, recognising when someone may need help, creating supportive cultures, responding to crisis situations and developing organisational approaches that prioritise wellbeing and safety.
Sport and physical activity settings often provide a vital source of connection, belonging and support for people during difficult times. The toolkit recognises the unique position that coaches, volunteers, staff, officials and community leaders hold in helping to create environments where individuals feel safe to seek support and where conversations about mental health can happen openly.
The toolkit has been informed by extensive research across the sport sector and is based on the principles outlined in the Suicide and the Workplace Standard, helping organisations strengthen their understanding of suicide prevention and support.
Alongside the toolkit, users can access a range of free downloadable resources and connect directly to Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory, helping people find local and national support services when they need them.
Access the Toolkit
The On Your Side suicide prevention toolkit and supporting resources are available free of charge through the Hub of Hope website.
By increasing awareness and understanding of suicide prevention across sport and physical activity, the toolkit aims to help create environments where people feel supported, connected and able to access help when needed.
