The Royal Foundation launches Suicide Prevention Initiative in partnership With the Jac Lewis Foundation and the Welsh Rugby Union
This World Suicide Prevention Day, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales is launching a partnership with Wales-based mental health charity the Jac Lewis Foundation and the Welsh Rugby Union, to establish a pioneering new mental health hub inside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Based on the Jac Lewis Foundation’s established mental health initiatives, the vital space will provide access to professional wellbeing and mental health services to hundreds of people who may be at risk of suicide. The Jac Lewis Foundation was founded by the Ammanford community in South-West Wales in memory of Jac, who died by suicide in 2019.
Recognising Ammanford Football Club’s role at the heart of the town, the Jac Lewis Foundation set up its first hub at the ground to provide mental health support to anyone living in the local area. As well as establishing hubs in Ammanford and Swansea, the charity now also runs an innovative national bereavement support service across Wales. The initiative helps families whose loved ones have died by suicide while also working to strengthen community resilience by training individuals to become wellbeing mentors, enabling them to offer support to others during difficult times.
Over 7,000 people die by suicide each year in the UK*, with 19 lives lost every day on average. Men account for 75% of suicides and rates are highest in the North of England and Wales as well as deprived areas across the UK. Suicide is driven by a range of complex social factors and the Jac Lewis Foundation’s hubs highlight the power of embedding multi-faceted support services in the heart of local communities and connecting individuals with vital resources ranging from emotional and financial support to broader services that enrich and empower lives.
To mark the opening of the new hub in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, The Prince of Wales visited the space and met with friends and family of Jac Lewis, as well as service users who will benefit from the range of services offered. The Royal Foundation grant will enable the hub to operate one day per week over three years. The funds provided will cover the costs of staff, counselling and transport costs which are vital to ensure there is no barrier to accessing support at the hub.
Chief Executive of Jac Lewis Foundation, Elizabeth Thomas-Evans said:
“We have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that community-based mental health hubs can have on people’s lives. Finding the right support during a crisis, especially when someone is feeling suicidal, can be incredibly challenging. We are committed to delivering innovative services at the heart of local communities, ensuring that people can access the right support for them, when, where, and how they need it while making positive connections with other people where they live along the way. With support from The Royal Foundation, we are able to reach more people than ever before.”
Community spaces play an increasingly vital role in supporting opportunities for local wellbeing and resilience. This work is part of The Royal Foundation’s ongoing Community Impact programme which seeks to mobilise unique coalitions to help communities foster greater social connection, support and develop local community spaces where people can come together to create opportunities and improve access to activities.
Melanie Waters OBE, Executive Director, Programmes at The Royal Foundation said:
“Social connection is at the heart of strong communities. Having spaces where people can come together creates opportunities to support one another. It is truly inspiring that Jac’s family and friends are leading such innovative work in his honour, creating spaces for people to connect leaving a lasting legacy to ensure that others have somewhere to turn in times of crisis.”
“When communities come together, they create more than just a support network, they build hope, connection, and belonging. Strong community ties play a vital role in protecting mental health, reminding people that they are not alone and that compassion, help and understanding are always within reach.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory: https://hubofhope.co.uk/.
