News
MBE for Oxleas occupational therapist
Congratulations to our very own Warren Dunkley who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Occupational therapist Warren was awarded the prestigious honour for his service to mental health support services as founder of community boxing gym, Off The Ropes.
The gym, the first of its kind from inside an NHS facility, opened in November 2025 after we granted a 10-year lease to mental health charity Off The Ropes at our Goldie Leigh site in Abbey Wood.
It is run by Warren, a former professional boxer who works as an occupational therapist with patients facing severe and enduring mental illness.
During his 25 years with the NHS, he has witnessed first-hand the transformative power non-contact boxing can have on mental health and wellbeing.
It’s fantastic that the wonderful work Warren and his team do at Off The Ropes has been recognised in this way – it is truly well deserved.
The benefits boxing can bring to people’s mental health are well documented and a gym such as this helps create a sense of community where individuals can connect, reducing feelings of isolation.
Ify Okocha, Chief Executive
Watch our film to find out more about Warren and Off The Ropes
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