Call for more providers to support Active Essex’s ‘On The Ropes’ programme
Active Essex Foundation has revealed the growing impact of its innovative BoxSmart ‘On The Ropes’ programme, and called for more combat sport providers to get involved.
The initiative supports young people in Essex and aims to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing, and prevent them from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB).
‘On The Ropes’ supports personal development through boxing training, mentoring and life skills sessions, and provides opportunities for participants to become BoxSmart and/or community youth volunteers.
Funding was secured by the Foundation from various sources to offer the programme in partnership with local combat and mentoring providers, while key locations for delivery were chosen based on areas of need.
Suzanne Page, Sport and Youth Crime Prevention Project Manager for Active Essex Foundation, explained: “The initial idea has gone from a small project in one local area with some secured funding to a much larger programme across multiple areas and reaching a high number of young people.
“We are really seeing from the data, case studies and feedback from young people and referral agencies how the course and long-term support, post course is having an impact. As a foundation we are really pleased with the Boxsmart programme and also that of other bespoke programmes we have written including Girls Inspired.”
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An impact and evaluation report on Boxsmart has now been published, with the report on Girls Inspired set to be published in May.
Suzanne added: “From April we aim to fund a greater number of providers under our guidance, training and support to deliver BoxSmart ASDAN-accredited courses (mixed gender) along with regular after-school sessions and bespoke courses for females, as per the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) agenda.
“We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to our funders who enabled us to offer the programme. Your support is invaluable.”
The programme takes a multi-agency approach to engage and support young people (via referral process) to address and reduce ASB and community disruption seen within key areas of Essex and Thurrock, as identified by local police teams, VVU (Violence and Vulnerability Unit) data, youth services and other agencies. The course content also covers the risks of exploitation (child sexual exploitation, and child criminal exploitation) which can lead onto youth criminality, serious violence and crime.
Over the last year ‘On The Ropes’ reached 152 children and young people, resulting in a total of 1,152 attendances across 144 sessions. There were significant improvements in behaviour and engagement, with some participants volunteering and gaining accredited ASDAN qualifications.
To find out more contact suzanne.page@activeessex.org