New Lancaster gym project transforms young people's lives
Young people whose lives have been transformed through an innovative programme at a Lancaster gym are celebrating its success.
The RESTORE: Empire Fighting Chance (EFC) programme, delivered by Lancashire Youth Challenge, combines non-contact boxing with psychology-informed mentoring and support.
The aim is to engage and support young people who may be involved in anti-social behaviour, or who are at risk of harming themselves or others through risky behaviours, to improve their wellbeing and build life skills.
Lancaster City Council brought together a partnership after listening to and working closely with agencies including the police and Lancashire County Council. They had identified a gap in support for young people experiencing hardship and complex needs.
The city council coordinated the partnership, bringing the agencies together, while Salt Ayre Leisure Centre provided a room for the programme.
To celebrate the programme’s success, young people, partners and community leaders came together to hear about its positive impact, while also taking part in a session.
Coun Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter the challenges they may face. We have joined in alongside the young people and found ourselves challenged to ‘feel the fear’ and learn new boxing skills.
“What makes this programme so special is its ability to engage young people in a positive and accessible way, helping them to build confidence and resilience while developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
“We’re proud to support this partnership and hope to see it help many more local young people. It was inspiring to see Salt Ayre playing such an important role in improving the wellbeing and prospects of our young people.”
Guy Christiansen, co-founder and CEO of Lancashire Youth Challenge, said: "We are incredibly proud to be leading RESTORE: Empire Fighting Chance in Lancaster. The combination of non-contact boxing and psychologically informed wellbeing principles creates a powerful approach that is making a genuinely life-changing difference for young people.
“Through physical challenge, trusted relationships, conversation and reflection, young men are supported to better understand what is happening in their minds and bodies, regulate difficult emotions, build confidence and develop the tools to make more informed choices.
“What makes RESTORE: EFC at Salt Ayre particularly powerful is the partnership behind it. By bringing together youth workers, leisure facilities, city council staff, targeted youth support, family services and the police, we are combining expertise and creating a network of support around young people that no single organisation could provide alone.
“This is partnership working at its very best – meeting young people where they are, recognising their strengths and giving them the opportunities and tools to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.”
To find out more about Lancashire Youth Challenge and the Restore: Empire Fighting Chance programme, visit https://lancashireyouthchallenge.co.uk.