The campaign kicked off with a powerful video featuring U’s midfielder Will Vaulks where he shared his personal story about suicide, recounting the impact of losing both grandfathers during his teenage years.

The poignant video also features Luke Beauchamp, who bravely speaks about the loss of his brother, Joey, aged 50 in 2022, who is widely regarded as Oxford United’s greatest-ever player. 

Suicide continues to touch the club to this day following the recent death of 24-year-old supporter, Jack Badger, and his mother Sharon joined Will and Luke in the campaign to spread the message. 

READ MORE: Northern Lights spotted above Oxford University landmarks

The video forms part of a wider initiative for World Mental Health Day, with Sky Sports partnering with the club to broadcast exclusive content with Will, Luke, Sharon, and the mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind. 

The campaign and commitment go beyond highlighting an issue, with Oxford United announcing the launch of free mental health workshops in partnership with Oxfordshire Mind and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation.

Will Vaulks said: “We need to end the stigma around mental health, and we need to strive for a society where we stop people dying from suicide.

Will Vaulks (Image: Mike Allen) “Both of my grandfathers took their lives when I was a teenager, and it is something that lives with me and my family to this day.

“There are always people to speak to, whether that is those close to you or charities that can help, and we need to make sure we continue to spread this message and make sure we can allow people to ask for help.”

Speaking on the launch of this new partnership, Ian Nutt, Oxfordshire Mind head of development, said: “At Oxfordshire Mind, we are proud to begin this partnership with Oxford United to raise awareness around mental health and tackle the stigma that too often surrounds it.

“The launch of our collaborative video and roundtable is just the beginning of our journey together, showcasing our shared commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of our community.

“Moving forward, we are excited to host workshops and further initiatives, working side by side with Oxford United to ensure everyone in Oxfordshire can access the resources and support they deserve when they need it.”

Luke Beauchamp, founder of the Oxfordshire-based mental health organisation the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, said: “This partnership with Oxford United and Oxfordshire Mind is an especially crucial step in our work to eradicate suicide.

Oxford United fans remember Joey Beauchamp (Image: David Fleming) “With the backing of the club, which Joey was so proud to represent, we hope that opening up about our own experiences can be a catalyst for change to allow others to speak up about their own mental health.

“Oxford United is an important part of people’s lives, and we want to work with the club to reach beyond just football and try and positively improve the lives of those in this county and beyond.

“Going forward, we will continue to work extremely closely with the club and Oxford United in the Community, to continue to raise awareness and ensure more people avoid suicide.”

Free mental health support is available through Oxfordshire Mind, with 24-hour and 365 days a year help available nationwide through Samaritans.

To speak with Oxfordshire Mind, contact 01865 247 788.

To speak with Samaritans, contact 116 123.

To learn more about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, contact info@joeybeauchamp.org, or go to the website at joeybeauchamp.org.