BOX IN MIND LAUNCHED
England Boxing start initiative for mental health in boxing
ENGLAND BOXING has started the ‘Box In Mind’ initiative. They have developed a workshop with the charity Mind to raise awareness of mental health within boxing, with the aim of reducing the stigma associated with mental health, and encouraging people within the sport to feel able to open up and get help if they are struggling.
As well as the benefits of exercise, the sport can have a positive impact on mental health in a number of ways. Boxing has consistently been identified as one of the most popular sports in Mind’s Get Set to Go sport and physical activity programme. Structured training can proved some order to what might otherwise might be a dis-ordered
week for people with mental health issues. Clubs themselves have a tremendous sense of community and coaches can often identify when people may be struggling and encourage them to seek help.
Boxing clubs are based in the heart of many marginalised communities and are in a unique position to be able to engage people that may not be connected with mental health services. England Boxing’s Matthew Williams, who is leading Box In Mind, said, “One in four adults will experience a mental health problem in any given year. There is an increasing awareness of mental health within society but there is still a great deal of stigma, and this can prevent people from seeking help when they are struggling. This can be amplified in the tough, competitive environment of boxing.”
Hayley Jarvis, Mind’s Head of Physical Activity, added, “We think that ‘Box in Mind’ is a very positive initiative. It’s fantastic that England Boxing and the boxing community really wants to increase its awareness of mental health and, ultimately, to make itself more accessible to people with mental health problems.
“We know from our own Get Set to Go programme the real benefits of sport and physical activity on mental health. People with mental health problems, however, still face significant barriers to being active, with our research suggesting that almost 70 per cent feel that their mental health makes taking part in physical activity too difficult.
“Recommendations from the first phase of Get Set to Go also suggested that the sports sector build stronger relationships with local mental health providers, provide more training for staff around mental health awareness to reduce stigma, create more welcoming group environments particularly for first time attendees, involve family and friends, and give really clear communication to encourage attendance.”
Delivery of the workshop will begin in November. Contact matthew.williams@englandboxing.org to find out more or register interest.