A Sheffield mental health support group, which uses boxing to ease anxiety, has received a donation to help fund new equipment.

Mentalmate was awarded £600 from Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire, as part of its Community Champions scheme.

The not-for-profit support group uses the power of boxing to help people open up and talk about their mental health concerns.

Based at Knox Boxing Gym in Wicker, the group meets twice a week and has been fundraising for new equipment to prevent sharing.

Daniel Barton from Mentalmate, said: “Due to coronavirus we are no longer able to share communal equipment. We have been working hard to raise the funds for more equipment so we can provide a safer training environment when we reopen.

“Boxing provides the perfect release to the stress and anxiety associated with mental health issues, but it also provides an ideal arena to talk to other like-minded individuals, although there is no pressure to talk.

“We meet Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings; the sessions are a mixture of boxing and circuit training. We are grateful for Persimmon Homes’ support as will not be able to continue our sessions without the new equipment.”

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building. Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month to worthy causes. 

Richard Hosie, managing director for Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire, said: “Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting the communities in which we are building. Mentalmate provide a unique service that cares for both the mental and physical wellbeing of the community and we are happy to support them.”

For more information on Community Champions visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions.