Oxford United and their Principal Partner, Baxi, have teamed up with the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative, Baton of Hope, to increase awareness of the Club’s suicide prevention and mental health initiative, Can We Talk?
The collaboration has seen accredited trainers from the charity deliver vital in-person suicide prevention training to Baxi staff and senior leaders. The day of workshops was led by Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy and accredited trainers Ben Wilson and Dave Swann.
As the biggest killer of men in the UK under the age of 50 and women under 35, the three organisations’ collaboration aims to confront suicide head on and save lives. Key to this is challenging outdated perceptions, providing real resources, and encouraging men in particular to seek help when they need it.
It follows on from Oxford United and Baton of Hope’s strategic partnership, announced in February, confirming the Club had become the first in the UK to sign up for the charity’s workplace pledge. This has seen Oxford United lead the way on how football clubs and organisations can positively increase understanding of suicide and mental health both internally and externally.
Over recent months the Baton of Hope team have delivered training and workshops for the Club’s players, senior leaders, and staff. This will now be expanded to include Baxi employees.
Founded in 2023 by two fathers who lost their sons to suicide, Baton of Hope was established with the vision of creating a zero-suicide society. Oxford United Men’s Team player Will Vaulks is an ambassador for the charity and launched their inaugural Baton of Hope Tour in 2023, which is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men in the UK under the age of 55, and the biggest killer of women under 35. Working with Baton of Hope and Oxford United, the in-person training at Baxi’s Headquarters in Warwick later this month is a clear commitment to confront suicide head on and save lives.
Head of Media & PR at Oxford United, Ryan Maher, said: “To take this next step with our Principal Partner, Baxi, is extremely important.
“Throughout this campaign our ambition has been clear. We want to use our platform in the community and beyond for good. Working with Baton of Hope has been about saving lives from suicide and creating a better environment for all.
“Baxi have been incredible supporters from the outset of this campaign. Working alongside our front of shirt sponsors and Baton of Hope in the weeks and months to come showcases a commitment across the board to bring about change.”
Discussing his personal connection to the initiative, Paul Haynes, Baxi’s Product, Solutions and Marketing Director, said: “I lost someone close to me through suicide—a man who, like so many in our industry, seemed to carry the weight of the world in silence. The
construction and heating sectors are filled with brilliant, hardworking men who often don’t feel able to talk about how they’re really feeling. It’s time that changes.
“By teaming up with Oxford United and Baton of Hope, we’re using the power of sport and community to break down the stigma and start vital conversations. It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about helping people feel seen, supported, and ultimately, saved.”
For more information about Baxi, visit www.baxi.co.uk
To find out more about Baton of Hope, visit www.batonofhopeuk.org
