Girls Only Boxing & Wellbeing Summer Camp 2024
The Pitch
Problem statement
Violence against women & girls is on the rise and it poses a significant threat to their well-being with long-lasting effects, especially among girls aged 11-18 years. It contributes to harmful coping mechanisms and risky health behaviours, including smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, and risky sexual practices. Additionally, those exposed often suffer from heightened rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Furthermore, it can lead to serious reproductive health issues such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Also children affected by violence grow older, they face increased risks of cardiovascular disease stemming from the negative coping strategies.
Solution
Addressing VAWG is critical not only for their immediate well-being but also for breaking cycles for future generations. We plan to host a Girls-Only Boxing Session/Wellbeing Camp this summer. Boxing offers numerous physical benefits like improved cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength, and coordination. Psychologically, it boosts confidence, concentration, resilience, and self-awareness, while reducing stress. Having a MHFA present will provide a safe space for girls to discuss any mental health issues they may face, receiving support and guidance from a trusted adult. The camp will feature workshops focusing on early intervention topics such sexual health, mindfulness, and empowerment.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
The Bromley Children and Families Forum currently supports 233 girls aged 11-18 from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the London Borough of Bromley. Of these, 97 have special educational needs, disabilities, or are awaiting diagnosis, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, grooming, abuse, or neglect during childhood. Our aim is to provide a secure and nurturing environment this summer, offering activities like boxing, self-defense, and exercise, complemented by comprehensive wellbeing support and confidence-building initiatives.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Mental Health First Aider - £25 x 4 hours x 4 Days | £400 |
| Venue | £320 |
| Trained Coaches x 4 - £20 x 4 hours x 4 staff x 4 days | £1,280 |
| External Educators x 2 £160 | £320 |
| Booking System, Safeguarding System, Admin and OnCosts, manage the bookings and support to families to access (Admin & Oncosts) | £130 |
| Hydration Station and Healthy Food & Snacks - £5.50 x 25 x 4 | £550 |
Beneficiaries
30 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
This project will provide 30 girls for 1 week during the summer a safe and supportive environment. They will develop confidence, self-esteem, and friendships while receiving guidance and training. The program will offer them a space to discuss challenges they face at school, home, or with peers with trained professionals. It will also encourage them to engage in fun activities and exercise outside their bedrooms, fostering healthy decision-making and ensuring they are in a secure and nurturing environment.
Track record
Our previous girls-only boxing program during school terms has shown remarkable outcomes: - 97% of girls increased their weekly exercise to more than 30 minutes to at least 60 mins + outside of school per week. - 89% experienced improvements in their mental health, with many transitioning from feeling sad to feeling happy. Notably, 7% of participants moved from feeling sad to feeling really happy, reflecting significant positive change.