Will Vaulks: “I don't want families to go through what my family went through”
Oxford United are launching suicide prevention workshops in schools across Oxfordshire
Oxford United are launching suicide prevention workshops in schools across the county to help save lives.
It’s part of the clubs next step in their ongoing Can We Talk? campaign, along with piloting an innovative suicide prevention check-up app which is designed to save lives.
The workshops in schools will be led by Men’s Team player Will Vaulks, who lost both his grandfathers to suicide, to provide education, resources and training in suicide awareness and prevention, and mental wellbeing.
Figures show, in the time it takes for Oxford United to play a 90-minute football match, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide. Over two years, that equates to the entire 11,500 capacity of the Kassam Stadium.
Will Vaulks said: “I don't want families to go through what my family went through twice in a short space of time. I don't want anyone to go through it once because it really is tough. It's like a bomb goes off in the family; it's the only way you can really explain it.”
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio he said: “The main thing for me being a professional footballer and going into the schools is just showing the kids that this can affect everybody.”
He added: “If I'm willing to talk and open up, share really difficult conversations and personal stories from my childhood and my life experiences; I just hope it gives them that little bit of bravery to feel they can speak up as well and ask for help because that is how you in turn prevent suicides.”
Mental health support available:
Free mental health support is available nationwide through the Samaritans — call 116 123 anytime.
"We want to go further to help bring suicide rates down"
Earlier this year, Oxford United became the first professional football club to sign the Baton of Hope workplace pledge, designed to provide in-person suicide prevention training to Club staff and players.
Baton of Hope, a UK charity which aims to prevent suicide and save lives through proactive change, will also provide players and members of staff with access to a life-changing suicide prevention check-up app.
Ryan Maher who has led the Can We Talk? campaign alongside Will Vaulks added: “12 months ago we set out to end the stigma around mental health and suicide. Now, we want to go further to help bring suicide rates down in our community and beyond.
“We are committed to taking action, and making sure our Club is a safe, inclusive place to be. The development of the suicide prevention check-up app, powered by Baton of Hope and their partners Gravitas, will deliver a real time check on those using it. It's designed to understand when someone is heading towards crisis, with trained mental health professionals on the end of the phone if something is flagged.
“Working with Baton of Hope, Joey Beauchamp Foundation, and others, we will continually strive to do the right thing, and ultimately, save lives.”
Oxford United will continue to work alongside Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation to help improve awareness of mental health in Oxfordshire.