British Cycling Joins National Suicide Prevention Network as On Your Side Champion

Marking World Suicide Prevention Day, British Cycling has stepped up as an On Your Side Champion organisation by officially becoming part of The Royal Foundation National Suicide Prevention Network. The governing body’s integration places it alongside prominent domestic sporting entities such as the Football Association, the Premier League, and the Rugby Football Union in embedding practical, evidence-based welfare measures across athletic setups.

Integration of the On Your Side Toolkit

According to reporting from the Sport Industry Group, British Cycling spent the 12 months leading up to the announcement actively collaborating on the development of the On Your Side toolkit. Produced alongside the British Standards Institution and the mental health charity Chasing the Stigma, the resource provides a structured framework for recognising warning signs, initiating vital conversations, and connecting individuals with support before a crisis materializes.

The toolkit will be universally accessible through Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope platform. It is designed to service a wide demographic within the sport, covering elite riders, grassroots club members, coaching staff, volunteers, families, and spectators.

Governance and Strategic Welfare Oversight

To ensure these protocols transition effectively from boardrooms to training grounds, British Cycling is introducing dedicated suicide prevention leads. According to verified sources, these officials will provide direct oversight and route resources through existing safeguarding and wellbeing pathways across the domestic network.

The initiative builds directly upon the organisation’s prior mental health work alongside Movember and Mind, establishing a more permanent infrastructure for community risk mitigation. Tracy Power, Managing Director of the British Cycling Foundation, noted the broader cultural importance of the move in official statements.

As part of our commitment, suicide prevention is recognized by us as we acknowledge that cycling drives meaningful change and can heavily impact critical societal issues.

Tracy Power, Managing Director of the British Cycling Foundation

Power further emphasized the collaborative nature of the rollout, pointing to the collective strength found in shared safeguarding frameworks across British sport.

Drawing on the knowledge embedded within our current well-being and safeguarding frameworks, we are proud to have played a central role in shaping this toolkit alongside others. Throughout this deeply rewarding process, collaborating with various partners has taught us a great deal.

Tracy Power, Managing Director of the British Cycling Foundation

Next Steps for Grassroots and Elite Networks

British Cycling is actively encouraging regional clubs and competitive tiers to integrate the toolkit into their daily operations. By building confidence and awareness at every operational level, the governing body aims to ensure participants recognize that reliable support systems are securely in place.