Inside the Cage: Support Lads in Leeds

Our Community Martial Arts Program was the first service we offered to young lads, and by far our most successful and most impactful in Newcastle. When we heard about the tragic loss of a young lad from AVT MMA in Leeds, we knew it was time to grow what we had to support even more young lads who may be suffering in silence.

MMA is deep-rooted in tradition, discipline, and respect – it isn’t just fighting, it is so much more than that. It’s the ability to socialise, the power of self-development, and being able to realise your full potential. It is being surrounded by people that get you and want to help you. It is committing yourself to something positive and meaningful, something with the power to change your mind and improve how you feel and how you think.

Inside the Cage is more than just a project. It is a community, affected by loss, working together to make real, impactful change.

Improving Mental Health

The links between physical activity and mental health are endless, with exercise being a main component in maintaining positive mental and physical wellbeing. When we first launched this program, it’s main aim was to improve mental wellbeing, so much so that we became a reliant service when it came to young people being discharged from children’s services.

Embracing the benefit of exercise is the first step in living a happy, healthy, fulfilled life.

Truly, giving young men the best start to life…

Group of School Kids with The Mental Shift

Educating Young Lads

The links between physical activity and mental health are endless, with exercise being a main component in maintaining positive mental and physical wellbeing. When we first launched this program, it’s main aim was to improve mental wellbeing, so much so that we became a reliant service when it came to young people being discharged from children’s services.

Embracing the benefit of exercise is the first step in living a happy, healthy, fulfilled life.

Truly, giving young men the best start to life…

MEET THE TEAM

xxx

Group of School Kids with The Mental Shift

Kai Leighton

Youth Development Officer

Ocean Davies

Youth Ambassador

Group of School Kids with The Mental Shift

Tom Crosby

Head of AVT Youth Academy

Group of School Kids with The Mental Shift

Grayson Caley

Youth Ambassador

How We’ve Helped

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percent reengaged in education
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percent improved mental health
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percent avoided crisis escalation
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percent continued regular training

Our Testimonials

At first I was struggling massively with mental health and anti social behaviour but the mental shift has completely changed my life around for the better I feel more comfortable expressing my feelings to Kai than anybody else because I know he truly cares.
Zach Coldicutt, Former Service User
Before I went I was depressed and when I was training I forgot about everything its like a safe space.
Levi Armstrong, Former Service User

I think these sessions have improved Teds concentration and confidence, and his strength in his actual kickboxing has improved over the last few months. Watching both Billy and Teddie interact with each other during those sessions is lovely to see as Ted doesn’t have any other male role model in his life aside from his Dad.

Gemma Driver, Parent

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