Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 – information and support
May 13, 2021 | by Chris Boyd
We want all those involved in boxing to look after their mental health – and that of those around them.
This is more important than ever following the Coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in raised stress and anxiety levels have risen for many people.
You can click through a number of resources that look at different aspects of mental health and, in some cases, give some practical tips on how to stay in a good frame of mind on England Boxing’s Mental Health page.
Real Strength – Calm In Gyms campaign
After attending a Box In Mind course, Epic Golden Gloves have worked with CALM to increase awareness in the fitness industry.
The ‘Real Strength’ Campaign is focusing on Men’s Health and Awareness of Suicide within the Fitness Industry working with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), the leading movement against Suicide.
According to CALM, every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. 75% of all suicides are male.
Tim Johnstone from Newark’s Epic Golden Gloves talks passionately about the campaign. He says: “The Mental Health problems experienced by our members within our Boxing Club over the last 18 months and my own recent loss of a friend through suicide during Covid, I felt it was time to take a stand.
“As a Vice Secretary of the boxing club and the owner of a sport nutrition vending business working with gyms, universities and leisure centres, I felt we had the perfect platform with predominantly male 18 to 45-year-olds, who purchase from the machine, to get their attention, getting men talking and empower them or a friend to seek the support they need.
“All vending machines are to be branded with the attached artwork with glass vending strips, wobblers and an A3 poster to be placed in gyms. In addition, we will be visiting all the clubs to engage with staff and customers to create awareness of the campaign and to get their support to share on social media with flags, T-shirts and pop-up banners.”
If your club would like an A3 poster to support the campaign, please email boxinmind@englandboxing.org
Today’s video is from Phil Wilson who is a coach and an advocate of the mental health awareness work England Boxing have been involved in.
England Boxing’s Club Support Officer for the London region, Bevis Allen, also talks about the benefits of physical activity on mental health.
