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 toolkit 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.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) 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 toolkit sets out expert guidance on how to make mental wellbeing support and suicide prevention part of everyday practice and ways of working, create 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 film 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 that you don’t have to be an expert to start that conversation.

John Burgess, BHA Director of Integrity, said:

“We are proud to support the launch of the Royal Foundation’s On Your Side toolkit.

“The 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 specialist health, wellbeing and welfare services.

“These 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 BHA and embedded in our day-to-day activities.”

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), said: 

“The 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.”

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.

“Sport 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.

“We 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.”