Box in Mind goes to North East

Billingham Boxing Club hosted the Tyne Tees & Wear association’s first Box In Mind workshop on Saturday 10th January, as part of the club’s commitment to supporting mental health.

The workshop, which was developed in partnership with leading national mental health charity Mind, was very well received by those in attendance.

Tutor Matthew Williams, who has himself struggled with mental health problems, said: “It was very encouraging to hear the quality of the discussions that were generated by the workshop’s activities.

“Boxing can be a huge force for good when it comes to promoting positive mental health and I’m very grateful to Adrian and his team at Billingham Boxing Club for requesting to host the workshop.”

Billingham Boxing Club is a new club, established in 2019, and has already established a strong network of community links.

As a result of this, and of the club’s promotion of Box In Mind, the workshop was attended by two local health professional from outside of the boxing community.

Williams added: “I have long believed that boxing has the power to reach a wide range of people across society, and to improve the mental health of the nation far beyond the walls of the gyms.

“Boxing clubs really are communities within communities, and the more we can do to show more people the many health and wellbeing benefits of the sport, the better.”

England Boxing’s Club Support Officer for Tyne, Tees and Wear, Laura Sargeant, attended the workshop and says the course can help clubs support their boxers when it comes to mental health.

She said: “Box In Mind is an excellent workshop that all clubs and coaches can benefit from attending.

“I will be looking to arrange further workshops soon and would like to encourage interested clubs to contact me so that we can ensure the benefits of Box In Mind are spread right across the region.”