North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited Ty Hapus on Ffordd Penrhyn in Llandudno recently to see how an innovative youth Boxercise session set up by Conwy Youth, Engagement & Belonging Team is keeping the children and young people of the town active and engaged in positive fun each Friday evening.
 
The class is organised in partnership with MBox, a fitness non-contact boxing club which is also based at Ty Hapus. The sessions take place on Fridays from 5-6pm and usually attract over 20 young people from the local community. After the class, attendees are also able to take part in the regular youth club activities at Ty Hapus.
 
While at Ty Hapus, Mr Dunbobbin met MBox Founder Mike Leary and his daughter and Club Coach Jemma Lowe, along with Chris Gledhill from Conwy Youth, Engagement and Belonging Team which helps oversee the sessions.

The PCC spoke to some of the young people attending the class, who were all enthusiastic about how much they benefit from attending the sessions. The young people then took part in warm-up and training practice learning how to box effectively.  
 
One young attendee, Macauley, aged 12, said: “I enjoy coming along to the Club as it’s a safe space, it’s fun, and it helps people get out of the house, get fit and do activities as a team.”
 
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “Every time I visit Ty Hapus I am always impressed by the deep links it has with the local area and the variety of activities it offers. It truly lies at the heart of its community.
 
“I very much enjoyed visiting the boxing session and seeing how much the young people attending enjoyed the session. The young people of Llandudno are the town’s future and it’s important we invest in them and encourage them to recognise how much we value them.
 
“Activities like boxing teach self-discipline, respect, restraint and promote an active lifestyle and I would encourage any young person locally to give it a go, meet new friends and get fit at the same time. Conwy Youth Engagement and Belonging Team and Ty Hapus should be applauded for their work in engaging the young people of Llandudno in such positive and worthwhile activities.”
 
Conwy Youth, Engagement and Belonging Team, said: “The Friday sessions, held in partnership with MBox, have gone from strength to strength. The young people who attend are not only learning new skills but also feeling a sense of belonging. Immediately after the session, they have the opportunity to join our youth club, making Friday nights at Ty Hapus a valuable programme of activities for young people in the area.”
 
Jayne Black from Ty Hapus commented: “At Ty Hapus, we are always working with agencies to try and support everyone in the community – of any age and any need. We are pleased the PCC was able to see some of the great work we do, especially with young people in our community.”
 
Mike Leary who runs MBox added: “I’d recommend young people come along and experience  our MBox sessions at Ty Hapus as they’re enjoyable, they’re an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, and boxercise is a great way to get fit.

“All young people are welcome and we have boys and girls from a variety of backgrounds. Coming along the first time is sometimes the hardest as people might not know what to expect, but it’s great fun and once you come, you never look back!”
 
The boxercise sessions are for young people aged 11 to 17 years old. They take place on Fridays between 5pm and 6pm and the Youth Club at Ty Hapus then runs between 6pm and 8pm.
 
Those wishing to take part should email Youthservice@conwy.gov.uk 
For more information about Conwy Youth, Engagement & Belonging visit: www.conwy.gov.uk/youthservice