Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno has partnered with the Reach for Health Centre in Northamptonshire to launch a new initiative aimed at improving mental health through physical activity and rehabilitation services.
The collaboration, which combines the expertise of the Frank Bruno Foundation and Reach for Health Centre, seeks to provide tailored mental health programmes. The announcement was made at an event held in Daventry last week, which was attended by around 200 people, including Bruno and former MP Chris Heaton-Harris.
In his speech, Bruno expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “I think it’s going to be a good working relationship and will hopefully help people.”
The Frank Bruno Foundation, established in 2017 after the former boxer faced mental health challenges during his career, has been dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues. It offers a range of wellbeing programmes, including non-contact boxing sessions, to support individuals experiencing similar struggles.
Meanwhile, the Reach for Health Centre, based in Daventry, provides rehabilitation for individuals dealing with sports injuries, strokes, heart issues, diabetes, and other health conditions. The centre’s goal is to promote physical and mental wellbeing for its clients.
Jacob Shane, a mental health coach from the Frank Bruno Foundation, shared his hopes for the partnership, stating, “Having someone like Frank, who’s seen as such a warrior, talk about his emotions will motivate a lot of people. It will help them realize that discussing mental health isn’t a scary thing; it’s something we can openly talk about.”
Darren Harper, course lead at Reach for Health, emphasized the importance of addressing deeper mental health issues in today’s world. “The more we can work on those deeper levels, the more benefits people will experience in the long term, leading to better overall wellness,” he said.
John Miller, a long-time client of Reach for Health who has been receiving services for PTSD, praised the supportive environment of the centre. “It works really well. It’s not just a gym – it’s more of a meeting centre, where people of all ages can always find someone to talk to. It’s a really friendly place,” he said.
The first mental health programme under this new collaboration is set to begin on 5 March. Further details will be provided at a later date.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in integrating physical health and mental wellbeing services, offering a holistic approach to healing and recovery for the local community.
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