Can We Talk?
Can We Talk?, Oxford United’s award-winning suicide prevention campaign, was created in 2024 to break the silence around mental health and challenge the stigma surrounding suicide.
Since then, the Club have campaigned, educated, and introduced life-saving initiatives and services to help tackle the issue of suicide across the county.
Suicide continues to be the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK, with one person dying from suicide every 90 minutes.
Oxford United are committed to ending this statistic. On this page, you’ll find trusted resources and advice from Baton of Hope and other leading organisations, alongside real support that you or someone else can access locally and nationally.
Help is out there. Whether you’re struggling, worried about someone else, or simply want to know more, support is always available.
- Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Can We Talk?
We Can Talk.
OXFORD UNITED OFFER FREE SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING TO GRASSROOTS CLUBS
To coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Oxford United are launching a brand-new initiative to offer suicide prevention training to grassroots football clubs.
The free sessions will be funded by former Oxford United player and Can We Talk? co-founder, Will Vaulks, with additional training also being made available to Season Ticket Holders as part of Will and the Club’s drive to ensure the Can We Talk? campaign leaves a legacy.
Will's funding will provide accredited in-person training days for grassroots football clubs across Oxfordshire, giving them the tools to spot the signs that someone is struggling and to help create a safer environment for all. As part of the next phase of the Can We Talk? initiative, the Club is collaborating with the Oxfordshire FA to help widen the reach of the programme well beyond Oxford United's own fanbase.
In addition, the Club are also seeking an initial 100 Season Ticket Holders to help build a stronger network of support around the Club on matchdays. Each supporter who signs up will receive a free 40-minute training session, delivered by the Club's suicide prevention partners, Baton of Hope. The online module covers the basics of suicide, including the right language to use and how to recognise when someone may be struggling with their own mental health.
Over the next 12 months, the Club are committed to delivering the following:
- Five community spotlights - in-depth features on local services, with information on how supporters can access help
- A dedicated support hub on the Club website signposting Oxfordshire services
- Matchday suicide prevention service presence on selected matchdays, offering real-time advice and support
- Can We Talk? dedicated matchday, bringing together services from across the county to raise awareness
- Club-wide suicide prevention framework and strategy for staff
- Accredited training with Oxfordshire FA, extending the programme to grassroots clubs and FA staff across the county
To read more about the Can We Talk? campaign, click the button below.
To register your interest in free suicide prevention training as a 2026/27 Season Ticket Holder, click the button below.
How You Doing?
This guide helps you check in with yourself and recognise whether you’re thriving, surviving, struggling, or in crisis. Wherever you find yourself, there are steps you can take and support available to help you move forward.
Download the resource by clicking the arrow below...
Notice A Change?
Notice a Change in a Colleague?
Sometimes, we recognise signs of poor mental health in others before they see it in themselves. It's important that we all stay aware and look out for one another.
Be Kind. Ask Twice.
A simple check-in can make a big difference — and asking again shows you truly care.
Download the resource by clicking the arrow below...
Five To Thrive
"Five to Thrive" is a UK government-backed mental wellbeing programme based on five activities that promote healthy brain development and communication.
Download the resource by clicking the arrow below...
SUPPORT FOR YOU
Baton of Hope
A national movement to prevent suicide, raise awareness and save lives through proactive change. Baton of Hope became Oxford United’s suicide prevention partners in 2025, as the Club became the first football club in the UK to sign the charity’s workplace pledge – a commitment from organisations to ensure their workplaces are psychologically safe for employees.
Offering face-to-face accredited training throughout the Football Club, across players, supporters and staff, Baton of Hope will continue to work with Oxford United to spread more awareness and offer education.
Click the arrow below to view more useful resources provided by Baton of Hope.
Nai's House
Nai’s House is a safe, inclusive space offering holistic mental health support for young people from their base in Bicester. They focus on early intervention for suicide and self-harm through peer-led advocacy, one-to-one support, and community-driven programs that build resilience together.
Founded following the death of Dené (Nai) in 2017 by suicide, they offer a different approach for young people seeking mental health support, which incorporates tailored and holistic care provided in a non-clinical environment, with a focus on reducing suicidality and self-harm.
This season, Nai’s House will be welcomed at the Kassam Stadium on dedicated matchdays to provide real-time information and support to supporters.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, get in touch with Nai’s House by clicking the arrow below.
Joey Beauchamp Foundation
Named in honour of former Oxford United player Joey Beauchamp, the Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals through dedicated outreach and initiatives.
The Joey Beauchamp Foundation aims to address the pressing need for mental health support and awareness within our community. With a steadfast focus on collaboration and community engagement, the Foundation seeks to empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in their daily lives.
Working with the Can We Talk? campaign since its inception in October 2024, the Foundation’s aim is for all residents in Oxfordshire to receive the support they need.
If you need support from a local service, the Foundation has a full list of everything available to residents in Oxfordshire, which you can find by clicking the button below.
Learn more about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation by clicking the arrow below.
The Cornermen
Based at South Moreton Boxing Club near Didcot, The Cornermen is a men's mental health and suicide prevention charity that offers one-to-one support, group sessions, and professional guidance in a non-judgmental environment.
Using boxing to open conversations, they offer physical training or a casual conversation with a trained support worker who can advise them on how best to address the issues they face.
Click on the arrow below to find out how The Cornermen can support you.
