"Boxing Clever Cork saved my life": an evaluation of an Irish early addiction recovery initiative

Background 

Boxing Clever Cork is a Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force (CLDATF) harm reduction and early addiction recovery initiative, which takes an interagency approach to provide a fitness element through boxing coaching and classes, and an education element where programme participants can gain a QQI Level 5 qualification. Partcipants can be drug free or seeking to become drug free.  It is based on the evidence for physical wellness in improving mental health, structure and routine, as well as the knowledge that education is the pathway to a new life and can help individuals to transcend social challenges such as poverty and exclusion. Most programme participants graduated and moved on an Educational Development Partnership Programme ("the 5-year plan") as a next step. Boxing Clever Cork participants gained structure and routine for nine months and upon completion they received two educational QQI qualifications. This presentation is based on the findings of two evaluative research projects which evaluated two iterations of Boxing Clever Cork over 2023/24. 

Methods 

The research methodology for the evaluations took a triangulated and participatory research approach. Programme participants were consulted at every stage including research design: participants opted to use the World Cafe method, the findings of which were explored in more depth in one to one interviews with participants in the programme and the professionals who delivered it. The purpose of the research was to discover the strengths and challenges of the initial deliveries of Boxing Clever Cork so that future iterations could be evidence based in their decision making. 

Results

Research participants become physically fitter and more social. Recovery capital was built upon.  A supportive early recovery community was built where challenges were addressed and solved by the group. Programme participants were navigating stressors from their everyday lives in addition to taking part in the programme. There were also literacy and digital skills issues, and financial difficulties. However, overall the evaluation research found that participating in Boxing Clever Cork was life changing for most participants, who went on to study further and continue their fitness journies. The continued inclusion of participants who were not drug free was supported by all participants, and fostered inclusion, hope and understanding. 

Conclusion

Boxing Clever Cork is an example where harm reduction and early recovery responses are blended to provide a safe space for many people hoping to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, meet likeminded people and progress their lives to a more stable place. It promotes addiction recovery within communities themselves.