LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Prince ⁠William will be joined by a host of famous British sporting ⁠figures on Thursday to launch a new initiative to help ‌the sports sector do more to help prevent suicide.

The heir-to-the-throne will be accompanied by British Olympic gold medal winners Kelly Holmes, Jason and Laura Kenny, and former England soccer ​player Jill Scott for the event at Everton ⁠soccer club's ground which coincides ⁠with World Suicide Prevention Day.

The issue of mental health and suicide prevention ⁠is ‌one of the British heir's key campaigning strands. Last October he came close to tears as he discussed the impact ⁠of suicide with a woman whose husband had taken ​his own life.

"On ‌Your Side", which has been produced by the Royal Foundation, William ⁠and his wife ​Kate's charitable organisation, aims to help people in sporting environments spot warning signs and provide support to individuals before they reach a crisis point.

William's office ⁠Kensington Palace said the toolkit, designed in partnership ​with the Chasing the Stigma mental health charity, could be used from local clubs to elite organisations.

"It is relevant to everyone involved in sport, including ⁠players, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and spectators," it said.

To mark the launch, the Royal Foundation has produced a short film to highlight suicide prevention which features England soccer star Harry Kane as well as Formula 1 ​driver George Russell.

The Football Association, the Premier ⁠League and British Cycling are set to announce commitments to implement the toolkit ​within their policies and practices, Kensington Palace ‌said.

The National Suicide Prevention Network was ​launched in 2025 with the help of £1 million of funding from the Royal Foundation.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Sarah Young)