Martial arts helps Aylesbury charity stay connected

Wednesday, 10 February 2021 07:00

Youth Concern have started free weekly martial arts sessions in a bid to keep in touch with youngsters during lockdown

The Aylesbury charity helps 13 to 25 year olds struggling with day-to-day concerns, including those having battles with their mental health, worries over employment and difficulties about where they live.

They would normally see around 50 people each day at their centre in town, but due to lockdown restrictions, these places now need to booked to ensure the correct social distancing takes place.

It's led the team to consider some new ways to connect with the youngsters, replacing the common room pool table with an online dojo.

Each week, people aged between 16 and 25 in Aylesbury Vale can take part in free, streamed martial arts sessions. The 10 week course aims to support the participants' general wellbeing by also offering the opportunity to talk with a youth worker at the end of the class.

The sessions are sponsored by Leap - an organisation who aim to improve the lives of residents across Buckinghamshire through physical activity and sport - and run by Safari MMA.

Safari Mixed Martial Arts have years of experience of delivering martial arts instruction. They have moved online to continue to offer their classes safely through lockdown.

Men’s classes take place via Zoom on Tuesdays at 8pm for 10 weeks, with a male instructor.

Ladies’ classes are on Zoom on Wednesdays at 6pm for 10 weeks, with a female instructor.

For more details email admin@youthconcern.org.uk