HRH The Prince of Wales Raises Awareness and Inspires Action on World Suicide Prevention Day
On World Suicide Prevention Day, HRH The Prince of Wales demonstrated his steadfast commitment to mental health by visiting a groundbreaking hub at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, established by the Jac Lewis Foundation. His visit underscored the vital importance of compassion, innovation, and community in addressing mental health challenges, while shining a hopeful light on the support available for those struggling. The Prince’s engagement serves as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to raising awareness, inspiring action, and fostering a culture of understanding, care, and inclusion for mental wellbeing across the nation.
The Jac Lewis Foundation was founded by the Ammanford community in South-West Wales in memory of Jac, who tragically died by suicide in 2019. Recognising the central role of sport in many people’s lives, the community came together to create hubs within local clubs, offering professional wellbeing and mental health services to those at risk. These hubs provide a safe, supportive environment where people can seek help, share their experiences, and access resources that make a real difference.
Through a partnership with The Royal Foundation, the new hub will operate at the home of the Welsh Rugby Union one day a week over the next three years. The collaboration reflects a shared mission to break down stigma, highlight the importance of mental health, and reach people in both urban and rural communities who might otherwise go without support. The Royal Foundation has long championed initiatives to promote mental wellbeing, combining public awareness campaigns, research, and community programmes that empower people to seek help and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.
To mark the launch of this vital initiative, The Prince of Wales visited the hub, meeting with Jac Lewis’ family and friends, hearing their stories, and paying tribute to their courage and resilience. He also engaged with representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union, including men’s team captain Jac Morgan, to discuss how sport can play a pivotal role in bringing communities together and supporting mental wellbeing. The visit highlighted not only the urgent need for mental health support but also the hope and progress that partnerships like this can create, reinforcing the Prince’s lifelong commitment to care, understanding, and action for mental health.
Building on his lifelong dedication to mental health, HRH The Prince of Wales has made an extraordinary contribution to raising awareness and driving action across the United Kingdom. Through his hands-on approach, he actively engages with organisations, community initiatives, and foundations, lending both his voice and personal support to create meaningful change. His commitment goes beyond advocacy—he consistently meets with those leading mental health programmes, listens to the experiences of individuals, and encourages collaboration to ensure services are accessible, effective, and compassionate. By championing innovation, understanding, and care, The Prince has inspired a national movement that brings mental health into the open, empowering communities and individuals alike to seek help, speak out, and support one another.
