Inspired to thrive in Ballyduff
All round health was the name of the game of a Housing Executive funded programme delivered by a champion boxer to young people in South Antrim.
The Fight2Thrive programme delivered by Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group in partnership with PSNI and evaluated through University of Ulster was awarded £2500 through a Housing Executive community involvement grant.
Champion boxer Steven Ward facilitated the project which centred around boxing, physical fitness, masculinity, mental wellbeing and discipline.
Steven said, "This group are an amazing group of young men. They show up every week and get stuck in!
“I'm grateful that we at Fight2Thrive have the opportunity to work with them to create a safe place where we can hold positive conversations and help them become the best version of themselves."
Stephen Gamble, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, South Antrim said,
“Everyone involved with this project can clearly see how successful it has been.
“It has been the result of a partnership approach which will benefit young people and the community in South Antrim.”
Ashley Bell, community team lead for Ballyduff Redevelopment Group said,
“Our 10-week programme gives young men a positive place to go while combining fitness training with important conversations about mental health, emotions, and how current decisions will influence their future.
“Our thanks to The Housing Executive for supporting us in our efforts to give these young men a safe space to grow, both physically and personally.”
Constable Laura Wallace and Constable Chris Boyd, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Newtownabbey said,
“We were delighted to have secured funding from the Housing Executive and to have been given this opportunity to bring Fight2Thrive to Ballyduff.
“We are extremely thankful for their continued support and look forward to building and developing relationships further with our young people.
“The project has been a huge success so far and it has given our young people a real focus and opportunity to thrive and develop in a safe environment with positive role models in our community.
“Ballyduff Redevelopment group are doing an incredible job in transforming the area and are eager and supportive to work with the PSNI and the Housing Executive to provide a safer society for all in the area.”