Two organisations harnessing the power of football to bring positive change to communities in Oxfordshire have teamed up as part of a mental health campaign.
Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation will work in partnership to enhance people’s awareness and understanding of mental health resources should a person be suffering in silence.
The collaboration has been formalised ahead of Oxford United’s home Championship fixture against Portsmouth on 15 February, where fans will celebrate the life of Joey almost three years after he took his own life.
The move will see the football club’s official charity and the Foundation share resources to maximise impact by addressing the pressing need for mental health support and local awareness.
It also further enhances the football club’s existing support of the Joey Beauchamp Foundation which has been invaluable in establishing its structure.
Already, a series of joint fundraising initiatives have been organised including a festive raffle during the build-up to Christmas and the first annual raffle which will form part of the Portsmouth fixture and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both groups.
Luke Beauchamp, Founder of the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, said: “This is an important step for the Foundation and one which will support our ongoing work to promote mental health services and skillsets within the football club’s fanbase and beyond.
“Mental health support is available, but right now not everyone is entirely confident how to access it or even how to approach those conversations.
“Picking up the phone or taking time to check in on a friend is the right thing to do – regardless if they’re showing signs of depression or not.
“The Joey Beauchamp Foundation aims to promote these behaviours and with support from Oxford United in the Community it’s our ambition to ensure people are well-placed to prevent others from experiencing loss because of suicide.”
Ahead of the Portsmouth fixture, Oxford United in the Community has launched the Joey Beauchamp Memorial Prize Draw.
Prizes include two matchday hospitality packages for Watford’s visit on 15 March, four tickets for the Sunderland fixture on 28 April, a signed shirt, signed football, two tickets to the Club’s end-of-season awards night and some Joey Beauchamp Wingman Hoodies.
The hoodies form part of the Foundation’s Talk To Your Wingman campaign which promotes and encourages people to talk to trusted professionals when mental health issues arise.
Additional plans to deliver mental health first aid training to U’s fans and suicide prevention counselling are also in place.
Matt Everett, CEO of Oxford United in the Community, added: “No person should have to experience the loss of a friend or relative because of suicide. But even today, there remains a requirement to enhance people’s awareness and understanding of the support services which are available.
“Positive health and wellbeing is one of our charity’s four key pillars we aspire to achieve through our present community projects and programmes.
“By partnering with the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, we can use our existing network to spread an important message and achieve a collaborative goal to inspire positive outcomes through the power of football and the Oxford United badge.”
Free mental health support is available through Oxfordshire Mind, while Samaritans offer a 24/7 service each day of the year. To speak confidentially with Oxfordshire Mind, call 01865 247788. Alternatively, Samaritans can be contacted via 116 123.
