Boxing Futures Using Non-Contact Boxing To Improve Mental Health And Well-being in Young People Angela Gault London Operations & Development Manager Email: angela.gault@boxing-futures.org.uk

WHO WE ARE A registered charity since 2015 Based in Peterborough and London To date we have worked with over 380 + young people We deliver our programmes to a diverse cohort of service users of which some are: Entering and or leaving the Youth Justice System On License (Criminal Justice System) NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) Suffer from substance misuse and related health issues Inclusion (disabilities) Suffering from mental health & wellbeing issues

BARRIERS TO ACCESSING SPORT Anti-social behaviour as a result of boredom and apathy Struggling with managing mental health Motivation Isolation Loneliness Family breakdown Communication Involvement in crime Additional physical and / or learning needs Living in deprivation

What feelings/emotions / thoughts do you associate with Boxing?

Responses from participants before starting the programme…

BOX OUT OF IT 12 WEEK PROGRAMME Punch One: HIGH AEROBIC CONTENT Stimulates endorphin release Let out stress or anxiety in a controlled and disciplined way within a safe environment.   Punch Two: BRONZE BOXERCISE AWARD Official recognition of effort and achievement differentiate between positive and negative behaviour. We use this confidence and motivation booster ‘Part of the club’ mentality Punch Three: BUILDING SOFT SKILLS Respect the coaches. Time management and organisational skills through the expectation that they are to arrive at training on time, wearing the correct clothing Team work and communication skills through our programme being delivered in a group format with an average 10 – 15 participants per group, where everyone must train as a team

Developing The Programme TAILORED PROGRAMMES AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS Smoking Exercise Anger and behaviour management Nutrition & healthy eating choices PARTICIPANTS BECOME THE COACHES Additional 13th session 1-2-1 INFORMAL CHATS Qualitative data from the programmes

PARTNERS & FUNDERS Princes Trust YMCA (No Cracks Project) Chaucer Foundation Movember Foundation Police and Crime Commissioner London Sport East London Foundation Trust CGL Aspire New Horizons Youth Centre Depaul The Coborn Centre John Howard Centre

MONITORING AND EVALUATION WEMWEBS & Fitness & Lifestyle Questionnaires Service users on average show a nine-point improvement upon course completion. The average pre-programme WEMWBS score currently sits at 43 points, increasing to an average of 52 points post-programme. Session Evaluations 1-2-1 Informal chats

THE JOHN HOWARD CENTRE PROGRAMME

‘It was something I looked forward to each week’ ‘It proved I can start something and achieve it and feel good about myself’ ‘It was something I looked forward to each week’ ‘It helped me to have a positive outlook, being told I was doing well and being encouraged.’ ‘I like you guys and so although I can’t take part this week I wanted to come down and say hi to you’ The self-discipline – it changed me as a person. I used to be quite reckless , now I think before I act’ ‘Getting the certificate was one of my main takeaways from the programme – I don’t have many and having something with my name on it felt good’

ANY QUESTIONS?