A Walthamstow wellbeing coach is hoping to transform the futures of young men through free boxing sessions
By Holly Kintuka

Aidan Lyons is a man on a mission. Through a free six-month boxing programme, the Walthamstow wellbeing coach is hoping to positively transform the lives of young men in Waltham Forest.
Called Brothers Through Boxing it started on 4th October at East London Boxing Club in St James Street, Walthamstow.
The two-hour weekly sessions have the aim of giving young men “more tools to navigate life and society” and better their physical and mental wellbeing.
It is funded by Movember as part of their Social Innovators Challenge (SIC), a £4.2million multi-year investment in men’s mental health projects for boys and men in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The first hour will follow a programme that was designed by a psychotherapist called ‘Road to Resurgence’. The young men will be able to discuss various topics such as positive relationships, mental well-being, masculinity, and more.
Aidan, who has lived in Walthamstow for over ten years and joined the charity recently, shared his excitement about leading the sessions at the boxing club he regularly attends.
Three years of boxing and freelance coaching after completing his boxing level one coaching course allowed Aidan to build a good relationship with those at East London Boxing Club.
He began to help the coaches there as well as train his clients, which he said helped him build his confidence, something that he would like to pass onto young people through his role in the charity.
Aidan says that a programme like this gives young people “consistency and accountability.”
He said: “My plan is to make them feel they’re accountable for their decisions. They’ve got something good here. If they put the work in, they will get a lot out of it.”
Those who take part will also be awarded with a certification at the end of the programme. Karim, who has completed the programme before, says he had a transformative experience.
He said: “Without boxing, I don’t know what I’d be doing now. Tell a lie, I know exactly what I’d be doing; eating rubbish and playing video games, never leaving the house unless I absolutely had to.”
The programme is not just about building men’s boxing skills but being a source of help for young men and teaching them coping strategies for stress, anxiety, isolation, and loneliness.
Aidan spoke about the “magic bit” of it when the young men start the sessions disengaged but end it with a completely different attitude, one of confidence and a smile, something that Karim also described after his experience.
He said: “I’m in a much better place now, I’m able to talk to people I know have similar things going on to me, and I’m able to make friends. It’s changed my mentality, I’m mentally and physically healthier.”
Young men aged 16–25 who would like to take part can sign up for the programme here or email: [email protected]
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