Oxford United host suicide prevention workshop at the Kassam Stadium
The club teamed up with charity Baton of Hope to offer community mental health support
Oxford United hosted a community suicide prevention workshop in collaboration with the charity Baton of Hope last night.
The event, which was part of their ongoing 'Can We Talk?' campaign, saw representatives from the charity and club deliver talks which encouraged fans to check in with each other and open up about their mental health.
Spearheading the campaign is Oxford United midfielder Will Vaulks, who reflected on the impact of suicide in his life, including the loss of both grandfathers.
He also offered insights into his career's highs and lows, promoting resilience and mental health awareness.
"I wanted something to give back to the fans," Will said. "I get people telling that they've lost loved ones to suicide or are struggling themselves so hopefully this will help with their wellbeing as well as reducing the number of suicides."
The workshop aimed to equip attendees with practical guidance on recognising warning signs in themselves and others.
Will said that knowing there is help available could make all the difference to individuals and their families.
"I really feel that if my grandfathers had been to something like this, understood that support is out there or were more aware of mental health they may well still be here today."
The event came to fruition following Vaulks' FIFPRO Player Voice award win in November, using a €10,000 grant to support suicide prevention efforts.
Attendees now have access to online and in-person training to further their understanding of the issue.
Co-founder of Baton of Hope Mike McCarthy said: "All of us who've lost someone to suicide - like myself having lost my son - would turn back the clock in a heartbeat if we could. But it's encouraging to know that people are ready to open up and see that there is hope.
"Suicide, with the right treatment and timing, is preventable and we all have the power within us to generate hope even if it's just a small thing.
"I've lost count of the number of people I've spoken to who said 'the only reason I'm here today is because of a postcard dropped through my letterbox or a message on my phone from a friend'."
Through the 'Can We Talk?' campaign, Oxford United continues to make strides in suicide prevention within football.
Earlier this year, the club partnered with the University of Oxford and started school workshops across Oxfordshire.
The club are also the first EFL club to have introduced a suicide prevention app.