Hertfordshire Charity ‘Box Cleva’ awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Hertfordshire voluntary organisation ‘Box Cleva’, a fitness and discipline scheme for young people, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, after they were nominated by last years chairman, Cllr Eric Bishop.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

Box Cleva is a community safety partnership initiative which helps to promote safer neighbourhoods and wellbeing in young people. Teaching seven to fifteen-year-olds the discipline behind boxing including training, nutritional advice, and alcohol and smoking awareness sessions, the scheme also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, ensuring they get the best possible start in life.

Box Cleva was the idea of watch commander Bob Williams, who works for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. He launched a pilot in Borehamwood in the summer of 2010 with funding from a local councillor. Following its success, it has since expanded to a number of other venues across the county, offering an innovative way to help teach children channel their energy in a safe environment.

All schemes are funded by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities and run for 40 weeks in the year, one day a week for two hours.  Trainers are fully qualified by the Amateur Boxing Association of England and guest visitors have included British, Commonwealth, European and World boxing champions and Olympic medalists.

Box Cleva offers bronze, silver and gold assessments to give young people a sense of achievement and to raise their self-esteem and confidence.

For more information and a registration form go to the Box Cleva website at www.boxcleva.net