New Burnley boxing project to help young people talk about mental health

Finley Worthington is launching the project tomorrow, Saturday, at Valley Street Community Centre.

The sessions will run every Saturday from 11.30am to 1pm, are free to attend, and are open to both men and women. They will include 45 minutes of boxing, followed by food, hot drinks and a chat.

They are designed to give under-25s a safe space to discuss their experiences of mental illness, grief, and trauma.

“There aren't many places to go where you don't feel judged or where you're not exploited for being vulnerable,” said Finley.

"The sessions will have a relaxing atmosphere, and we’ll offer somewhere [for young people] to talk to those with life experience, where they won’t feel judged.”

Finley also runs Ketamine Education Services, offering peer-led support to anyone struggling with addiction.

However, he insisted the boxing project was not centred around addiction recovery, and was for anyone struggling with their mental wellbeing.

He added: "It will have an almost youth club environment. That’s the kind of vibe we want. There will be emotional support, but we’ll also have a laugh.”

The project is covered by Burnley Borough Council UK Shared Prosperity Funding, managed by Calico.

In the future, Finley hopes to also help attendees find training and education opportunities.

“We want to help get young people off the streets and give them something to do and somewhere to go,” he said.

"We’ll try to support them as much as possible, and find them opportunities.”

Turn up to the sessions on the day, or for more information, contact [email protected]