London, October 2025 — Kensington Palace has announced the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Network, a landmark initiative spearheaded by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The program, supported by over 20 charities and health organizations and funded with an initial £1 million donation, aims to address the 7,055 annual suicide deaths in the UK by fostering collaboration, improving support systems, and tackling the root causes of suicide.
Structure and Goals
The network will be chaired by Professor Ann John, a leading expert in suicide prevention and public health. Over the next three years, its work will focus on:
- Identifying causes of suicide through research and data-sharing.
- Enhancing support pathways to ensure timely, accessible help.
- Strengthening collaboration between charities, health services, and community groups.
The initiative is designed to unify existing efforts across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, creating a coordinated national response to one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
A Personal Conversation
To mark the launch, Kensington Palace released an eight-minute film on World Mental Health Day. In it, Prince William sits down with Rhian Mannings, who lost her one-year-old son in 2012 and, just days later, her husband to suicide.
Rhian shared how the silence surrounding suicide left her isolated: “I was quite surprised by it. I’d never been touched by suicide. It was something that happened on the news. No one would talk about it.” Asked what she would say to her husband, she replied: “Why didn’t you speak to me? I ask myself that every single day. He was absolutely devastated, he did keep blaming himself.”
The Prince, visibly moved, emphasized the importance of breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Partner Support
Among the more than 20 organizations joining the network is PAPYRUS, a leading youth suicide prevention charity. In a statement, the group said: “We are so proud to be a part of this initiative, working alongside The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales and pioneers, helping to bring support to those who need it most.”
Outlook
The launch of the National Suicide Prevention Network represents a significant step in uniting charities, experts, and communities to confront suicide in the UK. By combining funding, research, and lived experience, the initiative seeks to reduce stigma, expand access to help, and ultimately save lives.
Sources: Kensington Palace; The Royal Foundation; PAPYRUS; BBC; Daily Mail.
