Mind Fit is a scheme that supports young adults with mental health illness in Birmingham, which is organised by Small Heath Boxing Club.
The aim of Mind Fit is to help some of the Birmingham population who experience mental health disorders. With one-quarter of the British population having some sort of mental illness, the cost to the UK is estimated at £22.5 billion per year.
Sport Birmingham provides funding through the Satellite Programme to Small Heath Boxing Club to deliver the weekly session, which provides participants an opportunity to work on their physical activity and to improve their physical literacy abilities, social skills and support their mental well being.
The participants have an array of mental illness, include some who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, like Steven, who is on a drug rehabilitation programme. Since joining Mind Fit he has been out of remission for three months, highlighting that the campaign has supported him greatly
Over forty people have now joined Mind Fit. 60% of members are regular visitors to the club, with 20% turning up fortnightly, 10% monthly, with 10% experiencing Mind Fit on one occasion.
“I look forward to coming to the gym every week. I am able to let off steam and of course keeping fit. I like meeting the people and having a laugh.
I have learnt new skills and techniques for instance, how to throw a punch, the best way to stand also how to control myself, self-discipline. It gives me a routine which I need.
Steven, Age 25
For more information on the project please visit the Sport Birmingham website