GB Boxing announces partnerships with two local charities as part of its commitment to having a positive impact on people and communities

29th August 2024

New partnerships with Sheffield Mind and Roundabout aim to address social issues and improve life chances by using boxing to engage with young people in socially deprived communities across the city

GB Boxing has established new partnerships with two local charities, Sheffield Mind and Roundabout, as part of its commitment to having a positive social impact and using sport to help improve the lives of young people in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

The partnerships will see GB Boxing use the power of sport and the resources of the World Class Programme (WCP) for boxing, to support the work of the two charities in helping to improve the ‘social capital’ [1] of young people from disadvantaged communities and contribute to combatting issues related to homelessness, inequality and poor mental health.

Boxers, coaches and staff from GB Boxing will all take part in a range of fundraising activities and community focused initiatives to support Sheffield Mind and Roundabout in their activities to engage and inspire and use sport and boxing to create new opportunities for young people in the region.

As a part of the launch, more than 100 people from Sheffield Mind and Roundabout visited GB Boxing’s training centre at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield where they had a Q&A session with Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Galal Yafai, GB Boxing World Class Podium Coach Gary Hale, Sheffield Mind’s CEO Margaret Lewis, Ambassador and former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson and Group Facilitator Tim Cruickshank as well as Roundabout’s DCEO Tracey Jackson.

GB Boxing CEO Matt Holt said:

“GB Boxing has been based in Sheffield for around 15 years now and we believe that it was important we do what we can to give back to the city and surrounding areas that have supported us so much over the years.

“As a programme, it was identified amongst boxers, coaches and support staff that there was real desire to focus our charity work upon young people in the area. As a result, we began speaking to a range of organisations and after some impressive conversations, we felt that both Sheffield Mind and Roundabout really aligned with the values we uphold as well as sharing our desires to want to change the lives of young people for the better.

“The two charities, whilst focused on different challenges young people may face, are both dedicated to giving every young person they can an opportunity to succeed, and we believe that through this new partnership we can take this even further by demonstrating the positive impact boxing and sport in general can have on improving someone’s life.”

Sheffield Mind has been providing mental health services to people across the city for over 40 years. 

Their mission is to improve wellbeing and provide support and advice to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They work locally with partners to improve service provision and increase awareness.  We won’t give up until everybody experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Sheffield Mind’s work is client centred, so the service users are at the heart of everything they do. They also provide a range of accessible services designed to meet local need and work in partnership with groups and communities which are failing to engage with traditional mental health services but in which there is higher than average need.

Margaret Lewis, Sheffield Mind CEO said:

“‘We are thrilled to be working in partnership with GB Boxing. Promoting the links between physical and mental wellbeing has long been core to our work and we believe this partnership will help us reach younger people who might not otherwise engage with our work or the mental health services we have available. 

“Being able to hear from the team about their experiences will help demonstrate the importance of group support and it can help people build greater resilience and a sense of community and belonging, which contribute to good mental wellbeing’’

Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s leading youth homelessness charity, dedicated to supporting 16 to 25-year-olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Sheffield and Rotherham.

With a vision to end youth homelessness in South Yorkshire, Roundabout empowers young people to break the cycle by helping them develop long-term independent living skills. The charity supports over 380 young people every day, recognising that each journey into homelessness is unique.

While some may need just a bit of support during a tough time, many have sadly experienced childhood trauma. Roundabout provides a safe space where young people can grow and develop, offering the guidance and resources they need to realise their potential.

By nurturing their skills and resilience, Roundabout aims to give these young people the opportunity for a brighter, more stable future.

Emily Jones, Roundabout’s Fundraising Manager said:

“This partnership with GB Boxing is an incredible opportunity for the young people we support. Through boxing and workshops, they will not only develop physical and mental strength but also gain a sense of discipline and self-worth that is essential in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“The commitment of the GB Boxing team to fundraise and engage directly with our young people and staff is truly inspiring and we're so excited to work with them. Their involvement will not only raise vital funds but also serve as a powerful example of how determination and support can lead to a brighter, more stable future.”

[1] Social capital is defined as the network of relationships available to someone and how those links can have an impact either positively or negatively on their life’s trajectory.