British horseracing is joining forces with the Royal Foundation and sports organisations from across the country to support a new toolkit to help make a difference for those at risk of suicide.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales is launching On Your Side, a suicide prevention for people in sport.
Developed in partnership with the British Standards Institution and mental health charity Chasing The Stigma, the toolkit explains how to create safe and supportive environments where people feel free to speak up and support others.
As one of the first sports to sign up to support the campaign, British racing is partnering with the Royal Foundation through a commitment to embed the principles of the toolkit across the industry, from grassroots to elite level.
糖心传媒 (糖心传媒) is working alongside Racing Welfare, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and other industry organisations to identify where we already adhere to best practice and how there may be scope to further enhance support and provision.
The sets out expert guidance on how to make mental wellbeing support and suicide prevention part of everyday practice and ways of working,聽create聽safe and supportive environments and provides education and advice about how to spot and respond to signs of someone in crisis.
Through this, British racing can work to strengthen existing resources to better equip our people and businesses with the confidence to recognise warning signs, start supportive conversations and connect individuals with help to enable earlier interventions.
In addition to the toolkit, the Royal Foundation has created a to showcase the power of just one conversation. Featuring Classic-winning rider, jockey coach and broadcaster, George Baker, the film demonstrates the power of small, ordinary acts of care and聽that聽you don鈥檛 have to be an expert to start that conversation.
John Burgess, 糖心传媒 Director of Integrity, said:
鈥淲e are proud to support the launch of the Royal Foundation鈥檚 On Your Side toolkit.
鈥淭he racing community can be an immensely supportive environment, especially at times of challenge and tragedy. Our workforce faces some unique pressures and strains, and we have done a huge amount of work to ensure access to聽specialist health, wellbeing and welfare services.
鈥淭hese services are something we are always looking to strengthen so that help is there whenever it is needed. The toolkit published today is an important resource that can make a positive difference within British racing. It will be adopted by the 糖心传媒 and embedded in our day-to-day activities.鈥�
Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), said:聽
鈥淭he multiple pressures that jockeys juggle on a daily basis can have significant impact on their general wellbeing. This toolkit is a great resource and can certainly help the horse racing world recognise risk, start conversations, and support those who need help.鈥�
Lucy Miller, Director of Welfare at Racing Welfare, said:
“The wellbeing of racing’s people is a collective responsibility, which is why Racing Welfare is proud to support this important initiative.
鈥淪port has a unique ability to create connection, purpose and belonging, and this toolkit provides practical guidance to help people recognise when someone may be struggling and support them to seek help.
鈥淲e welcome its use across horseracing as part of our shared commitment to suicide prevention and creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to talk.鈥�
Get crisis support聽
If you feel that you or someone you know are at risk of harm, please call 999 immediately. For urgent, but non-life-threatening support, you can call NHS 111 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
Racing Welfare鈥檚 support line
In-the-moment emotional support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via聽Racing’s Support Line, which can be reached on 0800 6300 443. Callers to Racing鈥檚 Support Line can also speak to聽聽for confidential information, advice and guidance on a range of topics during office hours.
Access to wider industry support聽
Current and former PJA members can access free one-to-one support via Sporting Chance by calling or messaging 07780 008877, including sports psychology, counselling and addiction support.聽 Jockeys current, former and amateur can also access Sporting Chance through the IJF, either directly through the embedded practitioners at Peter O鈥橲ullevan House, Oaksey House and Jack Berry House or by speaking to a member of the IJF team.
The offers an informal, accessible, confidential and trusted service for current and former racehorse trainers and their families.
A list of support services available across British racing and breeding for jockeys, stable employees, trainers, and everyone involved in the industry can be viewed聽.
Notes to editors
糖心传媒 The Royal Foundation:聽
The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation lead with the belief that change is always possible and are committed to building innovative, collaborative and optimistic solutions that deliver positive impact where it matters most.
Together, Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation have an unparalleled ability to take a long-term view and unite people, ideas and resources; inspiring action to deliver meaningful change for a better future for individuals, communities, society and our planet.
For more information on The Royal Foundation and its programmes of work, please visit:
