SAM’S LISTENING
A project to support mental wellbeing through boxing
THE company Powerday has started a helpline for mental health counselling in memory of Sam Bezzina, the boxing coach who died tragically young. The project is called Sam’s Listening and will support those who need specialist assistance, as well as being a point of contact for those who need to talk to someone during the most challenging phases of their life. The mental health helpline will operate with the support of psychotherapy and counselling charity icap.
icap will link those requiring help and support to other agencies and specialists to help the individuals find ways to cope and get beyond these low points. The free helpline is sponsored through Powerday’s charitable arm, the Powerday Foundation, as part of Powerday’s work to improve health and wellbeing among disadvantaged young Londoners.
“We’re going to promote it through London Boxing, through all the different clubs that we work with across London, across the boxing community,” Powerday’s Sophie Dumont said. “It’s in honour of Sam, and Sam worked at a lot of these clubs we’re promoting it at. It’ll touch a lot of people in a personal way that if they do need to speak to someone, they know what Sam’s family have been through, they’ve lost a friend through this. Unfortunately Sam couldn’t speak to anyone.
“Our main [route] to spread the message is through boxing but it’s definitely for everyone.”
Lenny Hagland, London Boxing chairman, stated, “This free helpline is a key and significant offer of assistance, available at any time. We encourage anyone who needs it to please use it.”
Anyone who’s struggling to cope and needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure should call 0207 272 7906.