GRIT – Growing Resilience in Teens

The youngsters were giving it their all at the charity boxing event. *1/1000s 35mm F1.4 ISO 2500.*

Awareness of mental illness has grown dramatically over the past few decades at a time where people seem to be increasingly mentally unwell. Whilst the support services are predominantly aimed at adults, there is a surprising shortfall when it comes to children and teenagers. As with any problem, it’s better to solve is sooner rather than later. Enter GRIT (Growing Resilience in Teens) a boxing charity based in Hitchin aimed at helping both boys and girls aged 13-18 to overcome self-destructive behaviours.

Attendees were all handed leaflets that contained more information on the work GRIT does. *1/400s 35mm F1.4 ISO 2000.*

GRIT Ambassador Bim Afolami MP was one of the attendees. *1/320s 50mm F1.8 ISO 1250.*

Initially even I was surprised at how young some of the fighters were but it’s good to get kids involved in sports at an early age for both physical and mental benefits. *1/1000s 35mm F1.4 ISO 2500.*

The referee ensures everyone understands the rules. *1/800s 105mm F1.4 ISO 3200.*

Now at first you may question whether getting punched in the head is a good remedy for mental illness, but that’s not what is happening here. Boxing is a sport of discipline, not just physical but also mental. You can put in all the training in the gym you want but if your heads not in it you won’t go the distance. As Mike Tyson once so eloquently put it ‘Everyone has a plan until the get punched in the mouth’. It’s this side of boxing that is used to train and educated teens to improve their mental wellbeing. Besides it’s better to be beating up the bags than beating up yourself, boxing gives young people a chance to channel their stress and anger into something else, and something more positive.

The important mental discipline of a boxer is critically important. Even when you get struck you have to keep cool and carry on. *1/1000s 105mm F1.4 ISO 3200.*

The start of the second fight. *1/1250s 35mm F1.4 ISO 2500.*

Going up onto the balcony gave an overview of the entire ring. *1/1250s 35mm F1.4 ISO 1600.*

VIP attendees sitting up on the balcony. *1/1250s 35mm F1.4 ISO 1600.*

A core programme last twelve weeks over the course of an academic year, with a new intake of twelve teens possible every school term. Each session if split into two parts, first a focus on physical fitness through non-contact boxing and exercises; the second is the mental, helping them to understand how important life skills relate to their boxing training. There’s no actual fighting between participants, the aim is not to create a competitive environment of winners and losers but a community where teens can help each other grow. In addition, each participant is assigned an adult mentor who is there to offer further mental and practical support.

Circus performers provided entertainment before and after fights. *1/250s 35mm F1.4 ISO 500.*

Between fights there was also time for young attendees to try boxing, perhaps for the first time. *1/800s 40mm F2.8 ISO 3200.*

Events like this help those who may never have considered boxing before try it for the first time. *1/1000s 48mm F2.8 ISO 6400.*

As with all charitable endeavours funding is crucial, especially as the aim to make the core programme free so as not to deter teens from poorer backgrounds. Thankfully the charity does have a number of backers but to further raise funds a charity boxing event was held in June with the hope to also raise the profile and awareness of the organisation. Backed by professional boxers Jordan Reynolds and Archie Sharp, the evening saw several fights among children and teens as well as entertaining circus performances. As far as I am aware the ones fighting tonight came from local boxing academies that support the charity and not teens who’d been through the programme. Though there are of course those who finish the course and go on to pursue boxing further.

Keep your guard up. *1/1000s 105mm F1.4 ISO 3200.*

The ringside officials keeps an eye on proceedings. *1/1000s 105mm F1.4 ISO 3200.*

The trainer’s pep talk is an important part of keeping up the morale of the fighter. *1/1000s 70mm F2.8 ISO 3200.*

Winners. At this level it’s not about one fighter beating another but encouraging youngsters to keep training and fighting. *1/2500s 35mm F1.4 ISO 2500.*

The event was an overwhelming success, not just bringing in a lot of monetary support but also giving many children and teens a chance to try boxing in the time between fights. Hopefully some of them are inspired enough by what they’ve seen (and done) on the night to continue. I first found out about GRIT earlier this year through my work with local MP Bim Afolami who is a GRIT Ambassador. After I expressed an interest in helping further, they asked me if I would like to come and photograph their charity boxing event which I gladly accepted. Something I am increasingly trying to do as a photographer is to volunteer my time to give back, putting my skills to good use to help others. Hopefully every little thing helps in raising awareness and getting young people the support they so desperately need.

You can find out more about GRIT by clicking here.