The Mental Shift CIC

During COVID-19, Contender Gym in Stockton tragically lost one of its own. Adrian — known within the gym community as their “Filipino warrior.” He wasn’t just part of the team. He was family. He trained, fought, and grew alongside the members at Contender Gym. Like many young men, he had been struggling with his mental health. When lockdown removed access to training, routine, and the strong community support network around him, his world became smaller. A heartbreaking decision was made. His loss left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the entire Contender Gym community. He has not been forgotten. ⸻ In response to this tragedy, Contender Gym has partnered with The Mental Shift CIC to raise awareness and vital funding to support young lads across Teesside who may be struggling with their mental health — whether openly or in silence. From loss, a mission has been built. The Community Muay Thai & K-1 Kickboxing Programme is now expanding across Teesside. This youth-focused initiative uses Muay Thai, K-1 kickboxing, mentorship, and strong community support to provide structured, positive outlets for young males aged 12–19. The goal is clear: Improve mental health through Muay Thai / K-1 kickboxing Encourage young lads to speak up and seek support Help reduce suicide rates across the North East The programme will work alongside local schools, services, and charities to identify young males who would benefit from structured training and mentorship. ⸻ Donations will directly fund: Monthly gym memberships (for as long as required) 1-to-1 personal training sessions Equipment bundles (gloves, shin pads, training kit) Support with education and employability skills Tickets to local fight shows and positive community events Mental health awareness workshops in schools Muay Thai & K-1 kickboxing taster sessions This initiative is built on the understanding that for many young men, a gym is more than a place to train — it is routine, belonging, discipline, and support. ⸻ How Donations Make a Difference £5 – Helps move the project forward £30 – Funds a 1-to-1 personal training session £50 – Funds a 1-month membership £400 – Funds a mental health workshop in a local school £500 – Sponsors a young lad for 6 months at Contender Gym Every contribution supports real, practical intervention at community level. ⸻ Built From Loss. Driven By Purpose. Adrian’s passing was a devastating loss. This project exists to ensure more young lads across Teesside have access to support, structure, and a community that looks out for them. Those who are able to donate — at any level — are helping create meaningful change where it is needed most. For sponsorship opportunities or larger donations, please get in touch via this GoFundMe page or through Instagram: @the.mentalshift @garrybell_contender @contendergym Thank you for your support!

In April 2025, AVT MMA in Leeds lost a much loved member of their gym to suicide. At 14-years-old, a tragic decision was made and that has, forever and always, left a gaping hole in the hearts of the family and friends around him. The one thing everyone at AVT MMA said was: "we had no idea..." Since, AVT MMA has dedicated themselves to raising important awareness and crucial funds to support young lads who may be struggling with their mental health - whether known or in silence. This includes a unique partnership with The Mental Shift CIC to launch a new, Leeds-based, youth-led project: Inside the Cage. Inside the Cage commits to supporting young males, aged 12 to 19, across south-west and wider Leeds who may be struggling with their mental health or vulnerable to struggling with their mental health. Our ultimate aim is simple - improve mental health through MMA and community growth, educate young lads and those around them on the importance of talking, and reduce suicides for young lads across the region. We will be working with local services, charities, and schools (including Leeds Health and Wellbeing, MindMate, and Employment Skills Leeds) to identify, reach, and engage young lads who would benefit from Mixed Martial Arts - providing access to regular physical activity, connection with lads just like them, and the opportunity to set and reach goals. We will offer funded monthly memberships for as long as they need, funded personal training sessions, funded equipment bundles, as well as further support like access-to-education, employability skills, and tickets to local fight shows and things alike. Alongside this, we will also work with local schools to deliver mental health awareness workshops around suicide and silent battles, as well as taster MMA sessions. This is a needed project for a community affected by loss from the very problem we are trying to tackle. However, we need your help to make this happen... in order to support young lads across Leeds, we need to raise the initial funds to get this crucial project off the ground and operational across the area. If you're able to help us, please donate and help make a positive change to the lives of young lads in our community. Just £5 helps make a real change, or: £50 can help pay for a 1-month membership £30 can help pay for a 1-1 Personal Training Session £400 can fund a mental health workshop in a local school £500 can fund a young lad for 6-months at AVT MMA Thank you for your help and follow us at @the.mentalshift and @avtmmaleeds to keep updated on Inside the Cage! :) For all sponsorship or large donation enquiries, please get in touch via our GoFundMe profile or on Instagram.