It’s been quite the fight, but the Frank Bruno Foundation’s first Round By Round centre in Northampton is now, after less than two years since it opened, being recognised for its work in helping people deal with mental health issues.
Founded in early 2021, the organisation has worked hard to build its reputation with agencies across the county and is now getting regular referrals from outside agencies, as well as building relationships with local businesses that see the benefit of the team’s advice and guidance.
Round By Round provides a 12-week wellbeing and non-contact boxing programme, as well as other, non-boxing related activities, complemented by a needs-led wraparound support service. The programme is aimed at anyone over the age of 13 and is part of the Frank Bruno Foundation’s aim to help individuals build their self-esteem, resilience and discipline.
The Northampton team, headed up by Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, James Wright, includes a psychiatric nurse two days each week and a SENCO who works with school pupils and their families who are struggling while they wait for referrals to other agencies. There are also three apprentices, all of whom went through the programme originally, currently on board; one on a business studies apprenticeship, and two working towards sports coaching qualifications.
As it has built and grown, Round By Round has developed its relationships with local businesses that want help understanding a holistic approach to
mental health and identifying what mental health is within the workplace. James Wright said:
“We get referrals from a number of agencies, including a lot of school referrals. Young people’s mental health is a real concern and
access into services via the likes of GPs and CAMS can take time.“It wasn’t easy at the start, getting our name known, but this year we really feel things have clicked into place and we can produce impact reports that demonstrate the success of what we do.
“Businesses are now accessing us to provide the help they need, coming in to find out more about what we do and about what they can do if their staff are struggling. It’s been a tough time, with COVID and remote working, followed by the current financial pressure that people are feeling.”
Frank Bruno is very involved with the organisation, joining the Round By Round teams for each graduation ceremony and meeting participants. James is also able to take bookings from businesses for workshops and training for part of the day, followed by an interview with Frank about his life, boxing, and his work with the Foundation. Those sessions, as well as grants and fundraising, provide the revenue to keep the programme running, helping as many people as possible. James added:
“Fortunately, I think awareness about mental health is changing. There’s been a stigma for some time but gradually people are learning that it is OK to talk openly about how they are feeling and not feel discriminated against or alone.
“One of the key messages is that everyone experiences both positive and negative mental health, and if you can recognise that for what it is, and find
a balance, then it stops it becoming mental illness. It’s OK to feel negative, we all do at times, but talking about it and recognising it really helps.“Businesses doing small things, like providing breakfast for their staff, can be simple but effective ways to help. It’s a social thing, it helps people who
are struggling financially and makes everyone feel good and that their employer cares about them.”
It is hoped that Round By Round will continue to grow and develop and help as many people as possible gain access to help they need. Although careful planning means that the organisation is ‘where it wants to be’ financially, there are concerns that more will need to be done in light of the cost-of-living crisis. James said:
“We are a charity so there are financial constraints, but we would love to grow more. There are going to be economic pressures, potentially for some time. We are seeing families that are going to bed early because they don’t want to have the heating on in the evening, and those pressures are not necessarily going to be restricted to those on lower incomes.
“Our aim is to give people a place where they can feel comfortable and safe talking about mental health.”
A Community Christmas Fair on December 10 at the Round By Round centre in Walledwell Court, Northampton will give visitors a chance find out
more about the services available, as well as check out a range of stalls and activities.
Find out more here or contact Round By Round in Northampton on 01604 434414.
