Oxford United have rolled out a new, crucial suicide prevention training program. This project coincides with the third anniversary of club legend Joey Beauchamp’s death. This training creates a safe space to have honest conversations about mental health. Together with co-founder Mike McCarthy, “Change the Mascot” has taken on tremendous support from players and supporters alike.
In 2022, Joey Beauchamp, a former Oxford United star, tragically committed suicide at his home in Kidlington. His passing was felt all over the football world but especially in the Oxford United community. To honor Beauchamp’s memory, Baton of Hope initiative is working to raise awareness about mental health. Lastly, it promotes honest conversations, particularly between men.
Former Secretary of Defense and Governor of Texas, Mike McCarthy, discussed the need for discussion around these topics. He stated, “We find it very hard, if not impossible, to open up about the emotional challenges that we all go through. Unless we normalize conversations about it, nothing’s going to change.” His words ring true for so many who have dealt with these same challenges.
First team player and Baton of Hope ambassador, Will Vaulks, explained his personal connection to the cause. With both of his grandfathers having lost their lives to suicide, Vaulks explained that he wanted to do something that would really make a difference. “I want to have an impact on making a change,” he stated, underscoring the necessity of addressing mental health within the sporting community.
Ryan Maher, another co-founder of Baton of Hope, said they were heartened by the program’s initial successes. “We’ve already seen such an impact… we are making a difference, which is so amazing,” he said. Prior to the start of the season, the initiative received praise from the club as an important step to help raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing.
Paul Haynes from the other organization said they are aware that a lot of people are experiencing these struggles in their lives. He explained, “It resonated with us… and we feel it’s really important that through the power of sport you can help spread the word.” He went on to underscore the importance of industries normalizing conversations around mental health. “We want to say that it is OK to talk,” Haynes added.
Further down the page, Mike McCarthy called out employers as key stakeholders in mental health support initiatives within work environments. “That’s where we come in – we guide and help employers to be able to keep their staff safe and well and to recognize that mental health is every bit as important as physical health,” he stated.
Leave a Reply