How boxing is helping tackle loneliness in Luton

In May 2025, our Community Connector in Luton, Leela, successfully applied for funding and started up a men's peer support group in the town.

Entitled Knockout Minds and delivered in partnership with Hope Church, the club provided a place where men from all backgrounds and walks of life could meet up and talk. Doubling up as a boxing class, it has also helped to teach physical fitness and discipline.

It ran for 24 weeks until late 2025. Evaluation showed that 54% of attendees described their mood as 'good' or 'great' before the class compared with 84% afterwards!

Informal feedback suggests the mix of mentoring, companionship and exercise really helped those that attended.