Suicide can affect sports organisations in many different ways. A club may need to support a bereaved individual, respond to the death of a teammate or colleague, manage the aftermath of a suicide attempt linked to the organisation, or provide support to someone experiencing a suicide crisis. Being prepared for these situations is an important part of creating a safe and supportive environment.

Having a clear response plan in place before an incident occurs helps organisations to act quickly, consistently and compassionately when support is needed. It also provides reassurance to staff, volunteers and members that there is a structured approach to managing difficult situations.

A robust response plan should include:

• Clear roles and responsibilities, so that everyone understands how to respond in a crisis

• Procedures for responding to both suicide attempts and deaths, including opportunities to learn from incidents and strengthen future support

• A named lead who can coordinate the response and act as a central point of contact. For information on appointing people responsible for suicide prevention, click here

• Well-defined support pathways that prioritise those most directly affected, while recognising the impact on teammates, staff, volunteers, supporters and the wider community

• Guidance on using appropriate and sensitive language when discussing suicide and its impact

• A communications plan, including a single point of contact for family members, stakeholders and the media

Communication is particularly important following a suicide or suicide attempt. Organisations should follow a pre-agreed communications plan to ensure that information is shared sensitively and accurately, while respecting the privacy of those affected. This can help to reduce confusion, prevent harmful speculation and support the wellbeing of the wider community.

For more information on how to safely report on suicide, see Samaritans Media Guidelines.

By developing (and regularly reviewing) a response plan, sports organisations can be better equipped to navigate challenging situations and provide timely, compassionate support when it matters most. Planning ahead helps to build a more resilient organisation, and ensures that no one has to face a crisis without support.

See Support After Suicide for additional information on what to do following a death by suicide.