Carers box way to fitness

A charity is boxing clever as it launches its latest initiative to support the growing number of young people who look after a loved one.

The Carers’ Resource, based in Harrogate and Ripon, is staging boxing lessons as a way of helping them overcome the day-to-day stress and pressure they face.

The charity’s Young Carers’ and Families’ team has linked up with H Hour, a Harrogate boxing gym, to provide the sparring sessions during the summer holidays – traditionally a time when stress levels can peak.

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“The boxing lessons add an exciting new dimension to the range of support we provide to young carers who relentlessly juggle the daily demands of their own life with those of the family member they look after,” said Hettie Flynn, a Young Adult Carer Worker at the charity.

“As well as a caring organisation, we are also a listening one - and are always keen to put many of the suggestions from the young carers into practice.

“Over and above giving them a much-needed break, boxing is a sport that promotes self-discipline. It provides the ultimate escape for some of the pent-up aggression and frustration that can build up when you are a carer.”

The owner of H Hour, Rob Smith is offering the facilities at a discounted price to the charity and is drawing upon his skills as a Level 2 England boxing coach to teach the teenagers.

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“We hope to recruit some boxing champions from the professional ranks to come to Harrogate and deliver some training sessions.”

The next session is planned for Wednesday August 13 and is open to all young carers in North Yorkshire.