COPE CIC Boxing Project

The Pitch

Problem statement

The project aims to address inequalities in healthcare access and experiences faced by individuals in deprived areas, as well as the higher rates of mental illness amongst minority ethnic communities. The beneficiaries are project will be teenagers and young adults who face barriers in accessing affordable mental health support and wellness activities. This includes individuals from marginalised backgrounds who statistically have higher rates of mental illness. Our project will make a difference by: Increasing access to exercise, reducing isolation and creating positive group activities.

Solution

This project aims to empower and uplift young individuals in our community through the sport of boxing; fostering discipline; resilience; and personal growth. The project aims to strengthen the health and wellbeing of young adults in Greater Manchester. Expected Outcomes: a) Improved physical fitness and overall well-being of between 50-80 at-risk youths/ young adults b) Enhanced life skills; including discipline; self-confidence; and goal-setting. c) Positive engagement in constructive activities; reducing the likelihood of involvement in negative behaviours. d) A sense of community and support among participants and mentors. e) Opportunities for further development in the sport of boxing.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Our mission is to provide person centred programmes, support marginalised groups whilst addressing their unique challenges and barriers to success. We understand the importance of representation and providing positive role models who inspire, motivate and encourage. Our team has experience of working in various mental health services including community, inpatient and private mental health sectors. We delivered a free pilot project from November 2022 - May 2023 to Manchester Youth Justice to support young people to engage in positive activity. We deeply value the importance of ‘lived experience in our organisations leadership and service delivery.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

40 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

Filling Service Gaps: We have identified a gap in affordable and accessible wellbeing services specifically tailored for marginalised groups aged 16-30 in our community. Many existing wellbeing services may be cost-prohibitive for individuals with limited finances, preventing them from accessing the support they need. By offering free and low cost services we aim to fill the gap and provided and affordable option. Complementing existing activities: Our project will complement and enhance the existing local counselling and wellbeing activities. We recognised the value of collaboration and partnership, and we will actively seek to work alongside other organisations and service providers in the community. We have developed relationships with stakeholders and community organisations such as Youth Justice and a local boxing gym to engage with our target audiences and access resources crucial for project success.

Track record

We want to ensure voices are heard, and needs addressed, our wellbeing service remains responsive to the unique challenges and aspirations of the community we serve. During our previous counselling project, we have engaged with over 100 service users and delivered 200 hours of free therapy over a period of 9 months. Here are some testimonials. Client A “I was skeptical of the effectiveness of therapy at first. Therapy has become something I really value and I have progressed and become so much more aware on how to manage my mental health as a result. I am so grateful to have come across this opportunity and wish much more people had access to such wonderful life changing support.” Client B “I am very grateful to have had the chance to access this therapy, even more so free of cost. I would also like to mention that I would have really struggled to afford therapy but with Cherisse I haven't had the extra worry on how to afford to access this help.

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