Local Boxing Club Changing Lives in Sussex

WBC Cares, a community‑focused initiative operating six amateur boxing gyms across Sussex, is helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and stay away from crime. Through dedicated coaches trained in youth work and mentoring, the charity uses the discipline and structure of boxing to inspire positive change – particularly among disadvantaged young people.

The project is supported and funded by our Sussex Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) which works to address the root causes of violence and create safer communities. The VRP brings together Sussex Police, local authorities, criminal justice partners, the NHS, public health teams, the police and crime commissioner and community organisations to prevent serious violence across the county.

WBC Cares has also received grant funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne’s Safer in Sussex Community Fund for its Lancing hub, established to provide a constructive after‑school space following a rise in anti-social behaviour. Today, the club continues to offer young people a safe environment to release energy, build resilience and engage with trusted role models.

PCC Katy Bourne said: “Projects like WBC Cares provide safe spaces, structured activity and mentors who understand the challenges young people face, helping steer them away from potential criminality and towards healthier, more confident futures.

“This is exactly the kind of early intervention that brings a lasting difference to a child’s life whilst helping to make our communities safer.”

Sussex VRP Lead Kate Hopkins said: “We support a range of projects designed to protect vulnerable young people, improve the opportunities open to them and reduce their risk of becoming involved in serious violence. We take an evidence‑based approach and programmes that combine sport with mentoring consistently score highly.

“WBC Cares is a second-tier intervention, targeting those in both Pupil Referral Units and the Youth Offending Service, available to young people at risk of exclusion. They’re brilliant at what they do in engaging young people.”