Prince William's words of support for military families and veterans bereaved by suicide
The Prince of Wales has expressed his support for families bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community, telling them: "Please know that you are not alone."
Prince William penned a foreword for a series of guides for military veterans and their loved ones published on Wednesday.
The free At Your Side guides, produced by Suicide Bereavement UK, co-produced with bereaved individuals, and commissioned by NHS England, have been written to provide support for veterans, families and serving personnel.
They are based on the experiences and needs of those who took part in the Armed Forces Suicide Bereavement Study – including friends, colleagues, spouses, partners, adult children, parents or siblings of those who died by suicide during or after military service.
Prince William, who served in the Army with the Blues and Royals and as an RAF search and rescue pilot, described how the loss of a loved one to suicide can be a complex and long-term experience.
He described meeting many bereaved families over the years with the Princess of Wales and said they understood the "power that comes from sharing experiences" and it was "essential that the voices of those bereaved by suicide are heard".
"There is no time limit to processing grief, but Catherine and I have met many bereaved families over the years and know the power that comes from sharing experiences, even in the most tragic of circumstances," the Prince said.
William also said he hoped the guides would act as a vital source of guidance and help to those who are processing loss "during what can be dark days of grief".
"At times of national and international crisis we look to our Armed Forces to provide help, support and stability," he said.
"Members of our Armed Forces never shy away from a challenge – harnessing their skills and working together to help others.
"But in times of great challenge, it can be tempting to hide one's own needs."
He added: "Few of us will go through our lives without experiencing the loss of someone we love.
"Thankfully, suicide is rare within the Armed Forces community, but for those bereaved by suicide, this loss can be a complex and long-term experience.
"Often the stigma surrounding suicide can prevent those affected from speaking out and seeking help."
Suicide Bereavement UK specialises in suicide bereavement research and the development of evidence-informed support materials for bereaved people.
The organisation said it was "so grateful" to William, who has long campaigned on raising awareness of mental health, for writing his message.
As well as the two guides for veterans and families, another for serving personnel is due to be launched shortly.
The guides can be downloaded at www.suicidebereavementuk.com/armedforces/.
For mental health support, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, by email at [email protected] or by visiting samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
It comes as Prince William returns to official duties on Thursday with a visit to a food surplus distribution charity and a youth centre – his first engagements since Kate, who is undergoing chemotherapy, revealed her cancer diagnosis in a message to the nation.
Prince William also recently visited The Welsh Guards as their Colonel, and spoke at Combermere Barracks in Windsor about physical and mental health with their Royal visitor.
If you or someone you know needs support at this time, find help available on our website.
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