Oxfordshire Men's Health Cup football tournament in partnership with Oxfordshire MIND and Men's Health Partnership
Over 70 men from Oxfordshire competed in a local football tournament on Sunday 17 November 2024 to raise awareness of men’s mental health and wellbeing, as part of Men’s Health month in November.
Funded by the Oxford City Council Community Champions team, Oxford Academy hosted 10 teams from local businesses, charities, and community football groups.
Project Diaspora FC ran out winners of the Oxfordshire Men’s Health Cup, overcoming Oxford Community Football in the final on penalties, lifting the trophy, which was presented by a representative from the Football Association.
“This event has been so successful. We were delighted that so many men’s groups and organisations fielded teams and that local employers really wanted to put men’s mental health on the map this year. There is a growing recognition that men’s health is important and that there are specific ways to seem male engagement. Simply saying “it’s good to talk” – though that is true - is no longer enough.
As a men’s health partnership, we are always looking at ways to engage meaningfully with men. Our #30ChatsIn30Days campaign which we run in November, where we encourage everyone to have a conversation on each day of the month in November, has become a fixture in the health calendar. Although we have run events in coffee shops, leisure centres and other venues, it can feel daunting to get guys to come through the door. A football tournament gives guys the perfect excuse to come along to compete and then learn a little more about their health and local services.”
Matt Williams, Co-Founder and Chair of the Oxfordshire Men’s Health Partnership
The tournament was organised by members of the Oxfordshire Men’s Health Partnership, which includes Oxfordshire Mind, Oxfordshire County Council Public Health team, and Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
There are plans to make the event an annual occurrence each November.
It was great to see so many men together from a wide range of backgrounds in support of men's health in a really friendly and competitive environment. I hope that this event is not just replicated in Oxfordshire next year but also replicated across the country.
Will James, participant from ‘Football in Mind’ team
If you need support with your mental health or emotional health, contact Oxfordshire Mind on 01865 247788 or text on 07451 277973, or phone Samaritans’ helpline on 116 123.
Black History Month - Men's Health Discussion
This year’s Black History Month (BHM) event brought together a vibrant mix of residents, services, and community leaders, with 80 attendees engaging in an impactful day of conversation and support. The event featured six informative stalls, including ODAS, NHS Talking Therapies, Mind Oxfordshire, Youth Ambition and others.
At the heart of the event was a powerful panel discussion, tackling vital issues around supporting men in crisis. Moderated by Leonard Sackey (Locality Manager, Rose Hill), the conversation brought together voices from across generations, including younger attendees sharing their lived experiences alongside older community members. In particular, a young man joined the discussion, offering intergenerational insights and encouraging dialogue on mental health. Our speakers included Vernal Scott (EDI Lead at Oxford University), Imade Idosomwan (County Councillor for the Leys), Taofiq Shodunke, (Pharmacist and CEO of the Leys Pharmacy). A local GP also presented the unique challenges Black communities face around mental health, and an ODAS officer addressed domestic abuse. Both presentations fostered a shared feeling of openness and encouraged deeper conversations.
This year, the Council’s approach allowed the community to take ownership of the event, from planning and design to delivery. By providing resources and support, we enabled the community to shape a truly meaningful gathering, with attendees expressing a desire for more health-focused and preventive events. One attendee shared, “Very informative, lots of information for the community; much needed in the Black community.” The positive feedback from this year echoed last year’s sentiments, affirming the value of continued, collaborative engagement and the impact of intentional, community-driven dialogue on health.
Our series of mini “bitesize” sessions leading up to the main event has also seen enthusiastic participation, with the final session scheduled for 6th November at the Cowley Social Club, where men’s health will again be the central theme. Highlights of these mini-events included a community-led gathering at a football pitch hosted by the Oxfordshire Community Association, where Black men discussed male cancers with a clinician after a match, and an engaging session at John Bunyan Church, led by the Oxfordshire Community Education Group, where men openly discussed cancer awareness with a healthcare professional.
A special thank you to our community champions, BHM steering group members, and colleagues who made this impactful day possible. Their dedication brought the event to life and set a strong foundation for future community-driven initiatives.
Men's Health workshop
March 2025, Barton. Details to be confirmed
Educational video between GP Receptionists and members of the public
Create a two way educational video between GP Receptionists and members of the public. Giving the public a voice to tell of barriers they face when contacting GPs and then Receptionists to explain their role and the pressures of their service.
