Vaulks is a four-time EFL Community Player of the Year winner for his fantastic efforts in raising awareness for a cause very close to his heart. He started working with the Baton of Hope during his time at Hillsborough, and has continued in the years since his departure.
The 33-year-old, who is now playing for Tranmere Rovers, sadly lost both of his grandfathers to suicide as a teenager, and has consistently strived to help others who have been - or currently are - affected by it.
Having received funding from the Professional Footballers’ Association to expand on his work, Vaulks has teamed up with the Owls to make sure that those at his old club get the help that they need.
“Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to support The Baton of Hope in signing the suicide prevention organisation’s Workplace Pledge,” a statement from Wednesday read. “The initiative will see The Baton of Hope deliver vital suicide awareness training to all departments at Hillsborough, including the academy and first team.
“By signing the pledge, the Owls commit to ensuring a psychologically safe and supportive work environment, whilst spreading key suicide prevention messaging to our supporters.
“Former Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks became an ambassador for The Baton of Hope during his time in S6 and was pivotal in delivering this partnership.
“After winning the FIFPRO Player Voice Award last year, Vaulks was given a grant from the PFA to dedicate to his charitable endeavours and opted to bring the gold-level Workplace Pledge to S6.”
Speaking about the initiative, the former Owls midfielder said, “When I received PFA funding, the first club I wanted to help was Sheffield Wednesday.
“They’ve obviously been through a lot in the last few years as a football club, and I had two great years there as a player, so it just felt right to give back.
“I want to thank the PFA for supporting me with the funding, and I very much look forward to this collaboration.”
Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy, who is the founder of The Baton of Hope, added, “It is heartening to welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the Baton of Hope Workplace Pledge. With Sheffield United also having signed up, both of this great city’s major football clubs are showing a shared commitment to suicide prevention.
“Despite greater awareness of mental health, far too many lives are still lost to suicide. By helping staff, players and supporters recognise when someone may be struggling and know how to respond, these clubs can make a real difference across Sheffield and beyond.”
Lastly, there were also some words from Vaulks’ old teammate - and Wednesday club captain, Liam Palmer - who said, “We’re all aware of the alarming statistics surrounding suicide, so I’m very pleased to see the club joining this important initiative and look forward to taking part in the sessions.
“In my time as a player, the attitudes towards discussing your emotions as a young man have improved, but there’s always more we can all do, so to spread the message across the Sheffield Wednesday family is another leap forward.”
Click here for more information on The Baton of Hope, and know that there is always somebody you can reach out to if you need it.
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Had the pleasure of meeting Will at a charity fundraiser he is an inspiring young man and always a pleasure to speak to ,he has done great work from his Rotherham days onwards 🙌🙌🙌💙❤️🤝