Community Story: Goole Youth Action

For our latest look at a recipient of an Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Yorkshire Local Community Fund grant from National Grid Electricity Transmission, it’s boxing taking centre stage with Luke Upton talking to Phil Jackson, Founder & CEO of Goole Youth Action, a coalition of local youth groups and organisations across the East Riding of Yorkshire town. 

“The award of £9,520 to Goole Youth Action of National Grid funding from the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Yorkshire Local Community Fund has enabled the continuation of our popular boxing project. This is a new approach to engaging with challenging and vulnerable young people aged 9 to19 years. The project is focused on a strong boxing ethos of self-discipline, respect, self-belief, physical and a positive mental health along with the support of a boxing coach, and youth workers,” said Phil.

Sessions take place at Goole Amateur Boxing Club gym, during a Wednesday after school or college for small groups of five young people on an eight-week course. The funding has enabled 64 young people to take part in the project, against a target of 48, a 33% increase. 

Referrals to the project come from Police YOT, YFS, Safer Communities, Children's Social Care, Delta Academy, GYA Voluntary Youth sector partners and GYA's Detached team. Funding is required to operate the project and includes staffing, rental of gym, refreshments (we feed the young people at the end of the session) and an end of cohort celebration in which family members, referrers and funders attended. 

Phil tells me that the project “delivers improvements in YP's mental health, general fitness, improvements in self-esteem/confidence, new friends, reduced loneliness, violent episodes” and shares some case studies from those impacted by the project.

“When Harvey first started the GYA Boxing project it was such a struggle for him to even walk through the door, but now he goes by himself with confidence and proud to be part of something. The boxing project is Harvey’s happy safe space where he thrives. It’s the only place he goes”, said Nic Barham, a local parent.

Another local parent, Melissa Taylor shared her experience; “I would just like to take this time to thank all members of Google Youth Action. Ever since my son Zadan has been attending the boxing sessions every Wednesday, he has completed the eight-week program and has gone on to be a mentor, this was massive for Zadan."

“Now Zadan has confidence in himself he has also learnt to control his anger and his overall behaviour in all aspects of his day to day. It has now given him the confidence to take up the sport of boxing meet new people and interact with them this is something Zadan finds difficult to do. It has also given him the chance to take part in the Humber Night Challenge which he is looking forward to. I cannot thank this organisation enough for all there help and support they have given me and my son you are all truly amazing” concluded Melissa.

Finally, a local grandparent, Margaret Gunson, added her view; “You do some amazing things with young people, and it is lovely to see how they are enjoying and benefitting from your input. This is what is needed to make the world a better place for them growing up. Young people are the future and deserve a chance.”

We’ll give the last word to Phil; “Without this award Goole Youth Action would not have been able to continue the boxing project and have such a positive impact on the lives of many young people, and we are therefore most grateful to National Grid Electricity Transmission and Localgiving for their support with a grant from the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Yorkshire Local Community Fund. Thank you.”

Find out more about Goole Youth Action

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