PCC steps into the boxing ring and commits to funding early intervention programme
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody donned boxing gloves to bring together young people and police officers at a youth charity in Bristol – as she commits to further funding for the organisation.
Empire Fighting Chance (EFC) uses non-contact boxing to provide early intervention and inspire young people to reach their full potential across England and Wales.
The event last week, Fighting Barriers, Stronger Together, included a boxing session followed by an honest roundtable discussion.
Clare is directing funding to the charity to develop and deliver a Box Champions programme in South Gloucestershire later this year, reflecting her commitment to investing in early intervention for young people across the area.
Box Champions will see children in educational settings who are at risk of permanent exclusion, exploitation or criminal activity invited to the 20-week programme, where they will receive mentoring, coaching and support.
The funding is being provided by the Home Office via the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership – which is chaired by Clare in her role as PCC.
Clare Moody said: “Reducing serious youth violence is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and this starts with investing in early intervention to ensure that young people have safe and positive pathways for their future. We know that the work being delivered by Empire Fighting Chance gives young people the confidence and opportunities to fulfil their potential and make safe choices, reducing the risk of them becoming victims or perpetrators of crime and violence.
“This event was an invaluable opportunity to ensure young people’s voices are represented within policing, helping to build understanding, strengthen trust and shape local policing through the lived experiences of the communities it serves.”
Andrew Turton, a member of EFC who took part in the event, said: “The Fighting Barriers, Stronger Together event is something I’ll always remember. I learned so much about policing and how young people and the police can work better together. It showed me the people behind the badge and completely changed the way I see the police. I now understand that they’re there to help us, and we were there to help them by sharing our experiences and ideas on how policing can improve. I’m grateful to everyone who made it happen and for giving young people the chance to have our voices heard.”
The impact of EFC’s early intervention can be seen in young people like Andrew as well as his boxing coach Serena Wiebe.
Serena credits EFC for giving her the support she needed when she was struggling and after losing her close friend, Eddie Kinuthia, to a fatal stabbing in St Pauls in 2023.
Now 21, Serena has been awarded British Empire Medal for her services to young people as a mentor, EFC boxing coach, and nationally recognised campaigner against knife crime.
She said: “I’m proud to have organised this event with the PCC. The conversations were open, honest, and incredibly valuable. This is what partnership working looks like – creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and working together to shape the future of policing and stronger communities.”
Following the event, a joint working group between EFC, the Office of the PCC, and Avon and Somerset Police has been established to continue exploring ways they can bring young people and policing together, to strengthen trust and facilitate partnership working.
Megan Knowelden, Head of Programmes at Empire Fighting Chance, said: “Young people are often talked about, rather than being an active part of the discussion. This event showed what’s possible when we create the right environment for open, respectful conversations. By stepping into the gym together, young people and police staff were able to see each other beyond the stereotypes and begin building genuine understanding. That’s exactly the kind of partnership we believe can help create safer communities and better futures for young people.”
