Property Fund opens the door for girls boxing sessions in Carlisle
Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson, stepped into the ring at Currock House amateur boxing club and Carlisle Villa amateur boxing club on Monday, to see first-hand how equipment purchased from the Property Fund is being put to good use. The property fund re-invests money seized from criminal activity and distributes it into local projects, aimed at providing activities that help to reduce crime in communities across Cumbria.
Both Currock House amateur boxing club and Carlisle Villa amateur boxing club open their doors to people of all ages and abilities and have recently been awarded grants from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Property Fund to buy more boxing bag mitts, punch bags, mats and skipping ropes.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Mike Johnson comments, “The Property Fund has enabled Currock House and Carlisle Villa boxing clubs in Carlisle, to purchase a wider array of equipment in order to attract more users and also develop new ‘girls only’ sessions.
“Currock House boxing club has also been working with the Constabulary’s Child Centered Policing Team, directing various young people to the club, who have made poor choices and come to the attention of the Police. A portion of the funding will be used to provide free sessions for three months, as part of the club’s ‘behaviour change programme’.
“It was clear from my visits and meeting some of their younger members, that both boxing clubs are providing local children with a safe space to go, meet different people and develop new skills. The coaches are more than trainers to the children, they are role models, offering a structured and constructive activity, steering them away from bad habits and unhealthy social groups.
“The boxing clubs provide young people with opportunities to broaden their horizons, explore new skills and develop their own confidence, which helps them to develop and take control of their own future. It also helps those who might be tempted into anti-social and even criminal behaviour, to choose the right course
“I would encourage any group that believes they can help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour to apply for funding – all information can be found at www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/funding/property-fund.”
Inspector Neil Parkin, Cumbria Constabulary Child Centred Policing Team, said: “It is pleasing to see that money generated and seized from those who commit crime is redistributed into very worthwhile initiatives within our communities.
“The efforts by community groups, such as Currock House and Carlisle Villa amateur boxing clubs, not only assist the Constabulary’s efforts to keep people safe, they also make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for young people across our county.”
Jimmy Brennen, Head Coach at Carlisle Villa amateur boxing club comments, “It’s been fantastic to receive the grant from the Commissioner’s Property Fund, it has enabled us to purchase new punch bags for our newly refurbished gym. This will provide more equipment for young people to engage in the sessions, which will help in retaining current members and encourages the new members to come again.”
Gary McGarvie, Head Coach from Currock House amateur boxing club comments, “ Thanks to the funding, we have been able to buy new equipment for the gym, ranging from new gloves to fitness equipment. Receiving the grant has also meant we have been able to open the gym throughout August, providing free sessions, drinks and snacks for young people, keeping them busy during the school holidays.”
