Can we talk? Whether it’s over a beer with your mates, a cuppa with a friend, a shared dog walk, in the stands at a football match or something more structured, talking is good for us, writes Oxford United Supporters’ Panel chair Janine Bailey.

Social connections are embedded in human society throughout the world and across all time periods. We are made to connect with others. Introvert or extrovert, some degree of communication is part of who we are.

Less than five years ago, the entire nation and much of the world experienced enforced isolation from friends, family and in most cases from work colleagues too as we endured extensive periods of lockdown and social distancing during the Covid pandemic.

Studies have shown mental health got worse in people of all ages over this time, not simply due to the stress of the situation but also because of the lack of social interaction.

READ ALSO: Best away performance so far? The key talking points from Watford

One good thing to emerge from that time is growing awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health as well as our physical health. The loss of members of our football community to suicide has brought this into sharp focus.

Of course, mental health, like physical health, covers a spectrum. It’s not only those with severe illness who benefit from a trip to the GP, and it’s not only the suicidal who benefit from looking after their mental health.

Oxford United, in partnership with Oxfordshire Mind and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, is hosting what promises to be the largest football club-led mental health workshop at the Kassam Stadium this evening.

This builds on the ‘Can We Talk?’ campaign which has already seen the launch of a powerful video featuring Will Vaulks and Luke Beauchamp, Joey’s brother.

Will and Luke will be joined by Des Buckingham this evening for a panel conversation, and Oxfordshire Mind will facilitate further discussion.

Harnessing the power of football for the local community in this way is just one way football can make a difference. There are people in our fanbase for whom simply attending a match is the only social interaction they have, and this supports their mental wellbeing, even when we lose the game!

This workshop is open to everyone, and OUSP members will be there to support this initiative.

Can we talk? Yes, we can.

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 247788.

To speak with Samaritans, contact 116 123.

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