Combating loneliness and isolation
Chatterbox is our alumni programme, and was created as a direct result of feedback from our young people. Participants usually join after completing our Brothers Through Boxing or Sisters Through Boxing programmes.
How does Chatterbox work?
The programme builds on the participants earlier learning and experiences. It therefore challenges the young people to push beyond their comfort zone, to aim even higher. It equips the young people with resilience and a set of skills so that they integrate into their communities.
What’s involved?
Chatterbox is a 24-week programme of non-contact boxing and therapeutic talk. It also includes participation in The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award programme, where our young people can work towards their Bronze or Silver Award.
"Even if I have had a really bad day/week, I know that when I get to Chatterbox, I will soon be smiling with Stef and Cello with their big energy!"
Chatterbox participant, Peterborough
William’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
READ: Duke of Edinburgh's Visit"William worked really hard and completed his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and achieved a Silver Boxercise Award. He felt empowered enough and made an independent decision to end his journey with us. "I feel that I have achieved everything that I came on the Chatterbox programme to do, and that I am in a much better place mentally now. I feel I have gained all the skills I need to fulfil my dream to go travelling."
We wish William the very best - we are very proud of what he has accomplished
OUR CHATTERBOX RESULTS
Our Chatterbox support delivers real change for participants
We have robust data collection and evaluation procedures. This includes entry- and exit-point surveys and assessments. We measure progress towards agreed targets as set out at referral stages. Last year:
Meet some of our young people
The following testimonies are from our Chatterbox group. All names have been changed.
Chatterbox: Peterborough 2025
FIND OUT MORE"I come to Boxing Futures as it helps to keep my head straight, by keeping me focused. If I could come every day I would. It is the only thing I have in my life right now that is positive and that I enjoy."
Tommy, Peterborough
Evie
Evie has autism and as a result, she struggles with social interaction and changes in environments. She was registered with an employment agency and had been getting some work. She lacked self-confidence and struggled with meeting people for the first time. Through Chatterbox, she slowly gained confidence and a self-belief in social situations. We helped her with her CV and did role play interviews.
Evie has now found a permanent job at Tesco. She said: “I love coming to Chatterbox. It is somewhere I feel most comfortable and where I belong.”
Arlo
“The only social thing I am doing whilst studying for my exams is coming to Chatterbox, as I know it is good for me and it keeps my head straight. It provides an outlet for me to release any anxiety either by sharing it during group discussion or releasing the stress and tension on the bags and pads.” – Arlo
Tommy
Tommy came onto Chatterbox from one of our Brothers Through Boxing programmes. He has been open about having a history of alcohol and drug misuse. We have been working collaboratively with one of our partners, a local alcohol and drug use recovery service, to support Tommy.