Two key organisations in Oxfordshire are joining forces to make a positive impact on local communities by harnessing the power of football. Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation have teamed up as part of a new mental health awareness campaign, aimed at providing essential support and raising awareness of mental health resources for those in need.
The collaboration has been formalised ahead of Oxford United’s upcoming home Championship fixture against Portsmouth on February 15th. where fans will come together to celebrate the life of Joey almost three years after he took his own life. The collaboration marks a significant step in continuing Joey’s legacy by addressing mental health concerns within the local community.
Through this partnership, both Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation will share resources to maximise their impact, creating more opportunities for people to access mental health support and resources. This campaign aims to encourage individuals to speak out and seek help if they are suffering in silence.
Continuing Joey Beauchamp’s Legacy
Joey Beauchamp’s life and struggles with mental health remain a profound influence in Oxford United’s history. As one of the club’s most adored and talented players, Joey’s story resonates deeply with fans. His mental health struggles, particularly during his time at West Ham, were an open secret in football circles, and Joey’s bravery in seeking help speaks volumes about the importance of addressing mental health in sports.
Joey joined the club as a YTS trainee, and the U’s cult hero made 428 appearances in two separate spells with the club, scoring 80 goals.
The Foundation, established in Joey’s memory, has played an instrumental role in raising awareness around mental health services, especially within the football community. It is their ambition to ensure that no one suffers in silence, echoing Joey’s belief that reaching out and talking to others is the first step to preventing loss due to suicide.
Joint Fundraising Initiatives
As part of the partnership, both organisations have already organised several joint fundraising initiatives, including a festive raffle and the upcoming first annual raffle, which will coincide with the Portsmouth fixture. These fundraising activities will help generate essential funds for mental health initiatives, including mental health first aid training for Oxford United fans and suicide prevention counselling.
Luke Beauchamp, Founder of the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, expressed his optimism about the new partnership:
“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.”
The partnership also aims to normalise conversations about mental health within the football community, encouraging fans to check in on friends and family members, regardless of whether visible signs of distress are present.
Joey Beauchamp Memorial Prize Draw
Ahead of the Portsmouth match, Oxford United in the Community has launched the Joey Beauchamp Memorial Prize Draw.
Prizes include two matchday hospitality packages for Watford’s visit on March 15, four tickets for the Sunderland fixture on April 28, a signed shirt, signed football, two tickets to the Club’s end of season awards night and some Joey Beauchamp Wingman Hoodies.
These hoodies are part of the Foundation’s “Talk to Your Wingman” campaign, which promotes the importance of seeking help from trusted professionals when mental health issues arise.
These initiatives not only raise funds for vital services but also serve as a reminder of Joey Beauchamp’s enduring legacy and the importance of supporting mental health within the community.
Further information about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation and its initiatives is available via www.joeybeauchamp.org. You can buy online raffle tickets online and entries close at 9pm on Wednesday, February 19.
Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention
Oxford United in the Community continues to expand its mental health initiatives, with plans to deliver further mental health first aid training to fans and provide suicide prevention counselling. By using the football club’s platform and reach, the partnership with the Joey Beauchamp Foundation seeks to spread an important message about mental health and wellness.
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.”
Local Mental Health Resources
In addition to this partnership, Oxfordshire residents are encouraged to seek support from local mental health organisations. Oxfordshire Mind offers free, confidential mental health support and can be reached at 01865 247788. The Samaritans provide a 24/7 service and can be contacted on 116 123, available every day of the year.
These organisations, together with the Joey Beauchamp Foundation’s initiatives, aim to ensure that the conversation about mental health continues to grow, creating a safer, more supportive community for everyone.
