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MIND OVER MATTER
BOXING legend Frank Bruno traded blows with the mental health minister as she visited him at his charity foundation.
Former world heavyweight champ Bruno, 62, quizzed Tory MP Maria Caulfied over government efforts to help people suffering with mental ill health.
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And – as he towered over the 5ft 2 ins minister in the boxing ring – Bruno said: “This lady is on point. I am very impressed that she has come here and that she has listened.”
As gentle giant Bruno – who stands 6ft 3ins - taught her some pad-work Ms Caulfield joked: “You are taking it easy on me, aren’t you?”
Bruno - who has bipolar disorder and has spoken openly about his struggles since he hung up his gloves – revealed it was the first time a government minister had met him to discuss the issue in 20 years of mental health campaigning.
Mental Health Minister Ms Caulfield visited his Frank Bruno Foundation after the star blasted the government over its failure to include a mental health bill in the King’s Speech last month.
But – speaking after the pair met yesterday – Bruno told The Sun: “I am honoured that the Frank Bruno Foundation received a visit from Maria Caulfield.
“This lady is the first politician to have come to see us to see what we are doing.
“She knows what she is talking about and hopefully will make a difference.
“We are providing a unique service to the mental health community and it is having a really positive impact.
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“The minister was really interested in our work and I was keen to hear how the government is looking to improve the future of mental health care.
“I was delighted the minister got into the boxing ring with me and pledged to continue the fight against mental health challenges.
“If there was somewhere like this foundation available when I was ill it could have really helped, so we need to see more services like this made available.”
Ms Caulfield’s visit came after the government last month announced £795 million of extra funding to support people with mental health problems over the next five years.
It was planned so she could learn lessons from the foundation’s mixture of exercise and counselling to help people with mental ill health.
She said: “We, as a government, want to put mental health on a par with physical health.
“If someone is struggling with a long-term physical issue, they get treatment – and we want the same for mental health.
“It is great the way the foundation helps people who are not comfortable at other agencies – and may have fallen out of the system.
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“They are plugging a gap that is sometimes there and we can learn a lot from the foundation – especially the way they include exercise as a way of helping people with their mental health.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Frank Bruno for meeting me and sharing his experience with me.
“Frank and his team are doing a great job at getting people fighting fit through boxing classes, using innovative techniques to support local people with their mental health and wellbeing.
“This government is determined to help as many people as possible stay healthy, get off benefits, and move into work.
“That’s why we’ve just unveiled £795 million of new funding to provide more mental health treatments nationwide and help those with mental health conditions stay in or find work.”
Last month, Bruno hit out at the government on X/Twitter for not including a mental health bill in the King’s Speech.
He added: “Constantly over the years I have been told by people within politics, ‘Yes we need to do something, yes there needs to be changes’.
“I wish each one of the decision-makers could spend a weekend with someone who has mental health issues…….and also spend a day and night in a secure unit.”
Ms Caulfield responded to the message – and arranged a visit to the foundation.
She explained: “I follow Frank online, because I am a Frank Bruno fan.
“I saw what he had to say and got in touch.
“It is impressive that they offer people a different way to get help and we are keen to learn lessons from it.”
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The Frank Bruno Foundation – in Northampton – offers people help through referrals, with clients aged from 10 to those in their 70s.
They undergo an eight-week course, which includes non-contact boxing sessions.
And mental health nurses and counsellors are on hand to help people with their problems – and to get back into work.
After their course, people are able to come back into the centre and chat to staff and friends in a welcoming environment.
Mum of one Jo Messenger, 41, of Northampton – who has bipolar disorder – said: “This place is like a family and has really helped me.
“I came to the foundation because I suffer from bipolar and coming here has really helped with my confidence and self-esteem.
“I have used the coping mechanisms I have learned here to help me in my life.”
And Deni Rovegno, 20, first came to the foundation in May 2021 – and is now a full-time member of staff who works as a Mental Health Development Officer.
Deni, of Northampton – who suffered crippling anxiety attacks and struggled to leave his home – said: “I was really lucky to come here and enrol in programmes – and I now love helping other people.
“This is a safe place that tests your boundaries but where you also feel comfortable.”
Bruno opened the centre – which relies on fund-raising, donations and grants - in 2017.
More than 600 people have completed its courses since May 2021, when it got up and running after Covid.
In an exclusive Sun interview in September 2021, Bruno bravely revealed he was sectioned during lockdown.
It was the fifth time he had been sectioned under the mental health act.
The retired boxing champ told how he spent six weeks locked up in an NHS hospital after family and friends grew fearful for his safety.
And Bruno - who suffers from bipolar disorder – admitted: “I hit rock bottom.”
He was admitted to hospital after becoming thin and gaunt through excessive training at his home gym, which he carried out in a bid to keep his demons at bay.
Bruno – who won the World Title in 1995, beating Oliver McCall at Wembley – has fought a long battle with mental health problems.
He retired in 1996 after losing to Mike Tyson - bringing an end to a glittering career which saw him win 40 out of his 45 fights.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998 and was sectioned for the first time in 2003.
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The star is now a mental health campaigner and his foundation aids people with problems, using exercise as a key tool to help get them back on their feet.
- To support the foundation, go to https://www.thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk