How Boxing Brought Us Together
The power of physical activity brining people together.
Date: 23 July 2025 Author: Energise Me
This project was set up by Get Up and Go. A Havant Borough Council project offering physical activity opportunities to residents of Havant. Sophie, Physical Activity Project Lead, shares how it all came together.
Our aim was to increase physical activity levels for women in the area and boost their health and happiness. We do a lot of courses where people can have a go and then walk away if it’s not right for them. This was not that – the group wanted this to continue after those initial six weeks. We definitely did not expect what happened to happen…
You have to realise that these community staples know more than you do about what local people need. So let them help shape the offer according to their experience.
We knew we needed to try something different. Other activities we’d run in Leigh Park hadn’t really taken off. So, when a few people asked us if we could offer boxing it felt natural. Boxing is quite big in the area; it’s got a very rich history here. They’re very community-based and the club that we partnered with are at the heart of the community, so it just made sense.
Don’t just pop in and ask for help. Build trust, show up, and listen.
I’d never worked with Bessey’s Gym before. I’m not from a boxing background, and I’ll be honest before walking into the club I was nervous. It was totally out of my comfort zone.
But from the moment I stepped inside, I knew it was the right fit. The club has been there for 40 years – people were aware of it and trusted it, and the coaches and volunteers were so passionate. The atmosphere was just exactly what we needed to deliver something people would enjoy.
It was a combination of price, people and place.
I believe it was a combination of price, people and place. It was £10 for six weeks so people didn’t feel out of pocket trying something new. It was promoted as a beginner course so everyone would be starting at the same level. We had listened to what this specific group of people wanted. And it was at a location that was familiar and easy to get to.
We did a press release which was helpful, but I think what really worked was Facebook. I shared information in local Leigh Park groups – even buy and sell groups (and will continue to do so until I get told otherwise!). And I created some Facebook ads.
What I’ve learnt recently when setting up my audience is to put the opposite habits you want people to have. So, I’ll tag fast food restaurants or clothing brands. If you put in sport tags, they’ll just show to people who are already active.
It flew off the shelves. We unfortunately had to turn some people away because there wasn’t enough capacity in the venue.
One of the best things about this group has been the amazing people we’ve reached. It didn’t attract the ‘already active’, it attracted many women who were open about the challenges they have around health conditions, current fitness and financial situations.
The group is full of women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. Everyone is treated the same, and there’s a really kind and welcoming feel.
At the beginning, the course cost worked out to £1.50 a week, which made it super easy to try. When it changed to a weekly session, everyone kept coming because it was still affordable – just £5 each time, with no need to pay ahead. You can just show up with your fiver, and you’re in. No stress, no big sign-up, just come along when you can. And now they knew what they were getting for their money.
Read Sally’s story to find out the personal impact this project had on her life.
Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
