In Worcestershire, a local boxing club has been making a significant impact on the lives of young people, thanks to the support of Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health funding. The club’s programs have helped individuals turn their lives around and achieve remarkable outcomes.
Pete Martin, owner of Redditch Self Defence Association, is working with young people to improve their lives, prevent them from engaging in crime and harness the power of physical activity for their self-esteem and mental health.
Pete has provided a few case studies, to share how the club has supported young people in Redditch:
“One young person was referred to the boxing club by the YMCA. Homeless and disengaged from sports due to poor mental health, they received free sessions and a three-month membership at a local Box England club. The outcome was remarkable, with the individual training to become a part-time coach, finding stable housing, and entering a healthy relationship.
Another young person, referred by the police after experiencing PTSD from witnessing a knife murder, had not engaged in any activities for years. Through the referral program, this individual received free boxing classes and mentoring, becoming an assistant coach.
Lastly, another youth referred by the police due to school exclusion, social drug use, and anxiety, had no physical activity routine. They received free classes, gym membership, and mentoring. The transformation was profound, with the individual beginning to box competitively, achieving assistant coach status, and refraining from drug use almost immediately after starting the program”.
Redditch Self Defence now takes referrals from a wider range of partners working with young people, including the NHS, local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Families First, Social Workers, School Exclusion Officers, Police, Turnaround officers and Probation.
The Public Health team at the Council is excited to continue working with Pete further expand his reach – supporting all ages and communities to achieve his mission through positive activity and awareness raising.
If you have a community initiative or project working with young people, aiming to support their mental wellbeing and in turn, prevent crime across our communities, you could access a grant from Worcestershire Public Health and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner: Public Health Youth Innovation Grant | Worcestershire County Council
[Picture in feature image Olivia Poole and Pete Martin. Pictured above (top) Hannah Bosley and (bottom) Tilly Mcgann]
