Oxford’s newest mental health and wellbeing centre championed by legendary boxer Frank Bruno MBE will host three open days this week ahead of its official launch later this autumn.
The Frank Bruno Foundation centre based at Oxford Stadium will open its doors for the first time to showcase its ground-breaking wellbeing programmes, state-of-the-art multi-purpose gym and four activity studios to the public.
All provisions will be available for public and private use with businesses, community clubs, organisations and individuals invited to learn more on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (October 11-13) from 10am until 4pm.
The charity expects to engage 2,000 people each month at the Cowley venue via its Round by Round programme, Stay in Work scheme, team building days, talks on mental health and wellbeing and wrap-around services.
Chief Operations Officer Brandon Eldred said the centre will be an open and inclusive environment offering activities and programmes to suit people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
“East Oxford and its surrounds have been crying out for a facility of this kind for many years,” said Brandon. “Our centre will be a fantastic asset to the local community and provide a safe environment where people can aspire to fulfil their true potential through the power of boxing.
“It has been a long process to get the centre into a position where we can invite members of the public. Now, we’re looking forward to strengthening our relationships with local people and businesses interested in learning more about what we will deliver.
“By working with participants and building their self-esteem, confidence, resilience, discipline and general life skills, we are confident our Oxford base can establish itself as the only mental health and wellbeing centre of its kind in the county.”
In addition to the charity’s wellbeing programmes, a full-time drop-in centre for anyone experiencing ill mental health will be established and a dedicated team of mentors will be based onsite to deliver free housing, benefits, CV writing and job interview advice.
A fully equipped boxing gym has also been installed which is now managed by Blackbird Leys ABC – Oxford’s oldest boxing club which faced being closed for good before partnering with Oxford Stadium.
Brandon said: “We are open to hearing from any businesses, community clubs, charities and individuals who may believe their support might positively impact achieving our goals.
“Collaborating with local groups can help take our delivery to the next level, and ensure as many people as possible in Oxford have access to our mental health and wellbeing provisions.
“This is an exciting new era for Oxford Stadium, and we are grateful to Kevin Boothby and his team for their ongoing support in making our vision a reality.”
Groups and individuals interested in learning more about the Frank Bruno Foundation centre’s Oxford base can contact Brandon via brandon@thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk for further information.
