THE FIGHT IS INTERNAL

As Chief Officer, my primary objective is to implement a rehabilitation strategy that guarantees safety, routine, and reducing tension within the prison. Boxing Free has proven to be one of the most effective rehabilitative initiatives introduced to our prisons. The programme provides a highly structured, physically demanding outlet that tackles operational challenges head-on — we have observed a noticeable decrease in behavioural incidents among participants. The mental health and behavioural transformations are what make this programme invaluable to staff and inmates. We see these skills transfer directly out of the gym and onto the prison floor — improved communication, greater resilience, and a willingness to cooperate with staff. Boxing Free has delivered a vital institutional asset that fosters a safer, more respectful environment for both staff and inmates.

As Chief Officer, I have seen many rehabilitation initiatives introduced into the prison environment over the years. Boxing Free stands out because it combines physical activity with structure, discipline, accountability, and positive engagement in a way that supports both participants and the wider prison community. Throughout the programme, participants have demonstrated increased confidence, improved motivation, and a greater willingness to engage positively with staff and peers. Participant feedback has consistently highlighted increased confidence, stronger peer relationships, and a desire to continue boxing and fitness following release. I believe initiatives that combine physical activity with mentorship and personal development have an important role to play in helping people make lasting positive change.

From an operational and staff perspective, the Boxing Free project has the potential to be one of the most effective rehabilitative initiatives introduced to our prisons. Managing a prison environment requires a constant focus on safety, routine, and reducing tension on the landings. Boxing Free achieves this by providing a highly structured, physically demanding outlet for energy that might otherwise manifest as frustration or conflict. Since the programme's introduction, we have observed a noticeable decrease in behavioural incidents among participants. We see these skills transfer directly out of the gym and onto the residential wings — improved communication, greater resilience, and a willingness to cooperate with staff. I believe it could be an essential asset to our rehabilitation strategy.

It has been very special to watch this peer-led programme evolve and to see how peer-to-peer support can be truly transformative. Well done Jamie, and all those who have participated so far. No doubt this programme will help many others into the future.

One of the most genuine and inspiring events I've experienced in boxing. This was never about fighting — it was about using boxing to rebuild confidence, resilience, and purpose. Listening to Jamie speak, you got the sense this is only the beginning of something much bigger. Definitely a space worth watching.

The atmosphere in the room — honest, grounded, positive, hopeful. This was not about boxing each other. It was about using boxing to help people rebuild confidence, accountability, and belief in themselves. Massive respect to Jamie for turning lived experience into something genuinely constructive for others. There's something real behind this.