A Tamworth-based gym that received backing from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund, welcomed back Matthew Ellis to see its work in action.
Tamworth Boxing Club was given £8,900 for the ‘Right Choice’ project, which aims to rehabilitate and educate adult and young offenders, through programmes based on boxing.
This unique, one-to-one approach helps break down the barriers between the individual and coach, allowing the rehabilitation process to begin.
PCC Matthew Ellis revisited the Orchard Street-based club last month to meet with a service user.
Mr Ellis said: “It’s fantastic to see the work that’s being done here and the results it has. By engaging these people through sport, we can intervene and re-educate, help breaking the cycle of offending.
“This is not only better for the individuals involved but also the best way of reducing crime and making a positive impact on communities in the long-term.”
Working closely with the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) scheme and Kettlebrook Short Stay School, the project aims to address the causes of offending over 12 weeks for adults and six weeks for children.
Service user Kieran Cleaver, 19, has been on the project for seven weeks.
He said: “This project has really helped me and I’ve started to look after my body.
“Without this project, I don’t know where I’d be now. It’s given me a sense of direction and I’m now hoping to become a forklift driver.”
Adult candidates are identified and selected by IOM officers who think they are at a suitable stage in their offending cycle to be mentored by the project.
There are currently three adults on the project, with a fourth starting soon, plus four primary school children.
For more information call Tamworth Boxing Club on 01827 314 111.
Mr Ellis spent the day in Tamworth on Thursday 27th March engaging with local authorities, projects and people – hosting two ‘Let’s Talk’ events at Ankerside Shopping Centre and Sainsbury’s.
You can watch a short video of the day here
