Operating outside a traditional school environment, Go The Distance (GTD), a community interest company based on the Belmont Business Park, uses a carefully structured “four pillar” mix of education, sport, confidence and knowledge to provide teenagers with the skills needed to find work.
The discipline cultivated by boxing plays a key role in the delivery of the training and to that end the freemen’s gift will be used to buy essential equipment, including new gloves and helmets, to pursue the sport.
The company’s managing director, Paul Lysaght, explained: “The youngsters we work with are both boys and girls, aged between eight and 17, who for a variety of reasons, are not embraced by the traditional school system.
“They may be held back by autism, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anger management issues, violence at home, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and other mental health issues. We believe our system offers what they need to find employment and make something of their lives.”
Paul Lysaght
Launched five years ago, the centre relies on a 50-50 split between public funding and charitable support from both local, regional and national organisations, to cover the cost of six specialist staff, along with leasing and running costs of their premises.
There are currently 45 young people on the company’s roll who share the 15 places available each day. The daily routine starts at 9 a.m. and first embraces English maths. Boxing too is a daily feature, as well as a range of other individually tailored supportive options. The centre’s two eight-seater mini buses give attendees the opportunity to reach a range of off-site activities, among them swimming.
A recent £140,000 grant from Sport England has underpinned expansion into the first floor of the building, extend the range of support which includes a counselling service, dancing facility and 15-bed hair and beauty unit. Access for all – including wheelchairs and push chairs – is provided by a lift.
One of the latest additions to the service is the provision of one-to-one support for youngsters from around the county who, for various reasons, have not been in school for 18 months.
“We have achieved everything we originally set out in our first business plan and are now redefining our targets for the future within the second phase,” said 61-year-old Paul, who during his 34 years in management with Durham County Council was, at one time, responsible for the running nine leisure centres.
The work of the team has earned a number of awards, including accolades from the county’s High Sheriff and Durham University – whose own boxing club use the facilities.
Eric Bulmer, chairman of the freemen’s charitable trustees said: “We are pleased to be able to support Go The Distance, whose important work in our community often goes unnoticed. The company provides an invaluable service, offering hope to troubled and vulnerable young people at what is a critical time in their lives.”
All images by Geoff Kitson Photography - https://geoffkitsonphotography.co.uk/