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New community boxing gym packs a punch for mental health
In a UK first, the country’s inaugural boxing gym inside an NHS facility is now open - thanks to a vision by Oxleas.
We’ve granted a 10-year lease to mental health charity Off The Ropes at our Goldie Leigh site in Abbey Wood.
The facility was officially opened on Friday 21 November, in front of members of the press, colleagues including Chief Executive, Dr Ify Okocha and Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister and former Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, who cut the ribbon.
Off The Ropes is run by Warren Dunkley, 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, Warren has witnessed first-hand the transformative power non-contact boxing can have on mental health and wellbeing.
The gym’s establishment was made possible by Media Fight Night, an annual media boxing event supporting charitable causes, which raised the majority of funds needed as a steadfast supporter of Off The Ropes.
Ify Okocha said:
We’re thrilled that Off The Ropes is bringing such a fantastic facility to the local communities we serve.
The benefits of boxing are well documented, providing a physical outlet for stress, frustration and pent-up emotions, in a controlled environment.
A gym like this also helps create a sense of community where individuals connect with one another, reducing feelings of isolation.
As participants progress and master new skills, self-confidence and self-esteem grow and these skills extend beyond the ring, helping patients and service users with concentration and discipline in their everyday lives.
Warren Dunkley, Founder of Off The Ropes, added:
Having our own space is a huge milestone. It will allow us to deepen our partnership with Oxleas, run more frequent and varied sessions and reach new groups who can benefit from what we offer.
Our ambition is simple; to create a permanent, inclusive wellbeing hub, where physical activity and community connection support recovery and long-term health.
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