A CHARITY is boxing clever with its latest initiative to counter stress among young people who have to care for a loved one.

They are inviting them to work out their worries by donning a pair of gloves and pounding the punchbags.

Boxing is seen as an ideal opportunity for channelling in a positive way the frustrations that arise from their role as a carer – aiding their health and well-being, both mentally and physically, as a result.

So the Carers’ Resource, based in Ripon and Harrogate, is breaking new ground by staging boxing lessons as a way of helping them overcome the day-to-day pressures young carers face.

A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.

And Carers’ Resource has linked up with boxing gym H Hour to provide sparring sessions during the summer holidays – traditionally a time when stress levels can peak.

“The boxing lessons add an exciting new dimension to the range of support we provide to young carers who relentlessly juggle the daily demands of their own life with those of the family member they look after,” said the charity’s Hettie Flynn.

“As well as a caring organisation, we are also a listening one - and are always keen to put many of the suggestions from the young carers into practice.

“Over and above giving them a much-needed break, boxing is a sport that promotes self-discipline.

“It provides the ultimate escape for some of the pent-up aggression and frustration that can build up when you are a carer."

The owner of H Hour, Rob Smith is offering the facilities at a discounted price to the charity and is drawing upon his skills as a Level 2 England boxing coach to teach the teenagers "the noble art.”

He and his team have more than 50 years’ combined fitness training experience in both the Army and civilian life and taken novice boxers all the way to regional and national champions.

He said: “We are delighted to be part of this initiative and hope to recruit some of these boxing champions from the professional ranks to come to Harrogate and deliver some training sessions and inspirational talks to young carers.”

For more information, called the Carers’ Resource on 01423-500555 or visit youngcarersresource.org