Phoenix Boxing Gym hosts sessions to help the unhoused with their mental and physical health
THE Fighting Homelessness project is offering boxing and mixed martial arts sessions to help homeless people with their physical and mental health in Cardiff.
The project, run by Cardiff Council supported accommodation officer, Rob Green, of Macauley Avenue, is held once a week at Phoenix Gym, Shaw Close, and The Hangar, Penarth Road.
It includes a 10-week boxing and MMA programme, and participants get a certificate at the end of it.
Mr Green, 30, said: “It makes them feel like they’re a part of something. It’s very social and something the guys can feel part of.
“I describe the programme as a metaphor for their lives. When they are in the ring or gym, they are learning perseverance and not to give up.”
Ian Powell, 44, from Brynmawr, has been taking part in the sessions since moving to accommodation in Cardiff last year.
“My mental and physical health was deteriorating, but the sessions have changed my life in a lot of ways.
“I’m stronger mentally and physically and I’ve met new people.”
The sessions first started at Phoenix Boxing Gym, Llanrumney, and they are praised by Rob Green and local councillors for their help with the sessions.
“They get what we’re trying to achieve, about the development of character and perseverance,” said Rob Green.
Councillor Keith Jones said: “The boxing club is at the heart of Llanrumney, it’s the source of the community.
“It has an open doors policy and a great community outreach, it’s more than just a boxing club.”
Mr Green started the project over two years ago and received a grant of £4,360 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The money has gone towards buying equipment for the participants and booking out the boxing clubs for sessions.
Funding from The National Lottery has also allowed Mr Green to begin sessions with young people and women.
He hopes that he can expand his projects further in the future and help more people.
“My ambition is to replicate this across Wales and the UK and I’m hoping to do that in 2022.”
- If anyone wants to participate in the sessions, they can contact Rob Green at robert.green3@cardiff.gov.uk or send a message to @LlanrumneyPBC on Twitter.
