The Joey Beauchamp Foundation is joining forces with Oxford United in the Community and Oxfordshire FA to deliver a special grassroots mental health awareness event on Thursday 19 November 2026, kindly hosted by Abingdon & Witney College.
Fully funded by the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, the event aims to bring together members of Oxfordshire’s grassroots football community to improve understanding of mental health, encourage open conversations and help people recognise where appropriate professional support can be found.
The event follows a successful pilot in Kidlington and represents another important step in the Foundation’s ambition to create a lasting legacy in memory of former Oxford United footballer Joey Beauchamp.
Using Football to Make a Positive Difference
Football has a unique ability to bring people together, build relationships and create environments where individuals feel part of a community.
The Foundation believes this provides a valuable opportunity to break down barriers surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
Importantly, the initiative is not about expecting grassroots coaches or volunteers to become counsellors.
Instead, the aim is to equip people with greater awareness and confidence to recognise when somebody may be struggling and understand how to signpost them towards appropriate support.
Stuart Crook, Trustee of the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, explained:
“Joey’s journey saw him follow the grassroots football pathway at various stages of his life, so it feels particularly fitting that grassroots football should be at the heart of this programme.”
Stuart emphasised the importance of removing barriers to participation and working collaboratively across the county.
“By fully funding this event, we want to remove barriers to taking part and demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations across Oxfordshire work together.”
The Foundation’s longer-term ambition is to develop opportunities for early intervention, training and support, using grassroots football as a platform for positive change.
Strong Partnerships Across Oxfordshire
The event brings together organisations with a shared commitment to improving wellbeing across Oxfordshire.
Stuart Bradney, Trustee of Oxford United in the Community, highlighted the positive role football can play in supporting local people.
“At Oxford United in the Community, our focus is on using the power of football to positively impact lives across Oxfordshire.”
He added that the initiative demonstrates how grassroots football can help create supportive environments where mental health conversations are encouraged and people understand where they can turn for help.
Jonathan Duckworth of Oxfordshire FA also welcomed the collaboration, recognising Joey Beauchamp’s enduring place in the county’s footballing history.
“Everyone struggles with something at some point, and bringing organisations together to deliver mental health awareness initiatives represents another positive and proactive step forward.”
Abingdon & Witney College is supporting the initiative by hosting the event.
Richard Pierson, speaking on behalf of the College, said:
“Colleges are an important part of their local communities, and we are pleased to provide a venue where people can come together, learn and have constructive conversations around mental health and wellbeing.”
Continuing Joey Beauchamp’s Legacy
The Joey Beauchamp Foundation was established in memory of the much-loved former Oxford United player, with a commitment to supporting mental health and associated social issues within the community.
Through awareness, education, signposting and collaboration, the Foundation aims to make a meaningful difference to individuals and families across Oxfordshire.
This latest initiative reflects its determination to turn Joey’s legacy into positive, practical action, bringing together organisations already embedded within local communities.
By working with grassroots football clubs, coaches, volunteers and community partners, the Foundation hopes to encourage earlier conversations about mental health and help more people access the support they need.
Event Details – Book Your Free Place
Thursday 19 November 2026
- Venue: Abingdon & Witney College
- Doors open: 6.15pm
- Event starts: 6.30pm
- Finish: 8.00pm
- Cost: Free – fully funded by the Joey Beauchamp Foundation
Places are limited and advance booking is encouraged.
For more information about the Foundation and its work, visit www.joeybeauchamp.org or email info@joeybeauchamp.org.
B4 is pleased to help raise awareness of this important initiative, supporting collaboration between organisations working to make a positive difference across Oxfordshire.
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