As part of Oxford United’s ongoing Can We Talk? campaign, the Kassam Stadium played host to a deeply moving and impactful community workshop, bringing together 150 attendees for an emotional and powerful evening focused on suicide prevention.
Delivered in conjunction with Baton of Hope, the evening was fully funded through Will Vaulks’ FIFPRO Player Voice Award prize fund, which not only covered the cost of the event but also ensured that everyone in attendance received free suicide prevention training. Those who were unable to attend can still access the training by following HERE.
Throughout the session, Will shared deeply personal stories about the impact of suicide on his life, including the loss of both of his grandfathers. He also spoke openly about the highs and lows of his career, offering honest reflections on resilience and mental health.
Alongside this, founder of the Baton of Hope, Mike McCarthy, and Clinical Director, Ben Wilson, spoke passionately and informatively about the charity's work, providing key takeaways and learnings around suicide and mental health.
Speaking after the event, Will said: "We have done so much work in the Club and in the community, but we wanted to give back to the supporters. The time was perfect to allow supporters to learn more about what we are doing and take away key lessons on understanding their own mental health through the powerful work of Baton of Hope.
"Baton of Hope provided the clinical advice, and I hope so many people will sign up for the training. It’s essential that peer-to-peer support helps bring down suicide and the more people understand and learn, the more lives will be saved.
"We are continuing to go into schools with the Can We Talk? campaign, and I now want every club in the EFL to sign up for the pledge and join us in this work.
"This evening was about giving back to our supporters through the Can We Talk? campaign, and I’m proud to play for Oxford and say we are looking after our community."
Ben Wilson, Clinical Director at Baton of Hope, said: "Sport is the unifying glue that brings everyone together, so this partnership is incredibly important. When it comes to suicide prevention, reaching supporters and the wider community is key.
"It’s vital people understand what we are facing, but also that there is hope. Suicide is preventable, and we are committed to providing the tools and knowledge people need. This remains the biggest killer of men under 55 and women under 35, so it’s paramount that each of us takes the time to care and to learn."
Throughout the evening, attendees were equipped with practical guidance on recognising warning signs in themselves and others, reinforcing the campaign’s mission to tackle the UK’s most urgent public health challenges.
This event forms part of the wider community engagement delivered through the Can We Talk? campaign, which continues to lead the way in driving meaningful change in suicide prevention and mental health awareness, both within football and far beyond it.
Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making the night such a meaningful success.
