By Shaun Murphy-
Frank Bruno(pictured) has expressed his honour and gratitude after a visit from Minister Maria Caulfield’s to his foundation mental health initiative.
The minister highlighted the positive impact the foundation has had on the mental health community in Northamptonshire, much to the pleasure of the former boxer.
The former heavyweight world boxing champion, once beloved by the British public during his boxing career, emphasized the importance of providing unique services to address mental health challenges and called for the availability of more such services nationwide.
Bruno’s battle with mental health is well documented, and his courage and commitment to helping others overcome mental health has received praise over the years.
Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield commended the efforts of former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Frank Bruno in aiding individuals with mental health challenges to remain employed through controlled non-contact boxing classes.
Minister Caulfield’s visit to The Frank Bruno Foundation in Northampton coincides with the government’s announcement of an unprecedented £795 million in additional funding over the next five years to support thousands of people struggling with mental health issues in returning to work.
Bruno said : ‘I am honoured that the Frank Bruno Foundation received a visit from Maria Caulfield. We are providing a unique service to the mental health community in Northamptonshire and it is having a really positive impact.
‘The minister was really interested in our work and I was keen to hear how the government is looking to improve the future of mental health care.
‘I was delighted the minister got into the boxing ring with me and pledged to continue the fight against mental health challenges. If there was somewhere like this foundation available when I was ill it could have really helped, so we need to see more services like this made available
Frank Bruno, who openly shares his personal battle with mental health challenges, established The Frank Bruno Foundation in 2017.
The foundation offers wellbeing programs and structured non-contact boxing sessions for individuals aged 10 and above experiencing mental health issues.
A central component of the foundation’s work is the “stay in work” scheme, specifically designed to assist professionals with mental health difficulties in retaining employment and preventing long-term sickness.
Minister Caulfield expressed appreciation for Bruno and his team’s innovative approach in utilizing boxing classes to support mental health and wellbeing. She particularly commended the foundation’s “stay in work” scheme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to helping individuals maintain good health, transition off benefits, and reintegrate into the workforce.
The newly allocated funding will expand NHS Talking Therapies, benefiting an additional 384,000 people over the next five years.
Frank Bruno expressed his honor at Minister Caulfield’s visit, highlighting the positive impact the foundation has had on the mental health community in Northamptonshire.
He emphasized the importance of providing unique services to address mental health challenges and called for the availability of more such services nationwide.
The minister’s visit included a symbolic act as she joined Bruno in the boxing ring, signifying her commitment to continue the fight against mental health challenges.
Testimonials from individuals who have benefited from the foundation’s programs further emphasized the positive impact.
Jo, a mother from Northampton with bipolar disorder, described the foundation as a supportive family that significantly improved her confidence and self-esteem.
Deni, who initially struggled with anxiety attacks, transitioned from a program participant to a full-time staff member, highlighting the foundation as a safe place that tests boundaries while providing comfort.
With the additional funding, the government aims to bolster key programs like NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support, Restart, and Universal Support.
These initiatives will benefit up to 1.1 million people over the next five years, aiding those with mental or physical health conditions in staying employed or finding work.
NHS Talking Therapies, which offers evidence-based psychological therapies, will see increased accessibility, with the investment also supporting an additional 100,000 Individual Placement and Support places over five years.