A BOXING club is offering free sessions to young people, to help rehabilitate them after traumatic experiences.
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.
The club 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, West Mercia Police, Turnaround officers and the Probation Service.
Pete said: “We have seen some incredible results from the young people at the club. I am super proud of every single one of them. 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.”
Pete has been coaching in Redditch for 36 years and runs a Youth Centre in Britten Street.
He also runs a an anti-knife crime campaign called DroptheKnife, and says education is always our main focus to reduce knife crime.
He added: “Another young person, referred by the police after experiencing PTSD from witnessing a murder, had not engaged in any activities for years.
“Through the referral programme, this individual received free boxing classes and mentoring, and is now an assistant coach.
“Another 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 sessions are being funded by Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team. Visit: redditchselfdefence.co.uk for more information.
