Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater and Angela Rippon visited Training Cave in Birstall last Friday, May 15, taking part in an over-50s boxing session and meeting local participants.
The visit formed part of the Centre for Social Justice’s (CSJ) Beyond Midlife Commission, which aims to improve support for people aged 50 and over.
Focus group explores challenges facing older workers
Ahead of the session, the pair took part in a private focus group with people in midlife and beyond to discuss employment, wellbeing and social inclusion.
The commission was launched earlier this year after figures showed the number of people aged 50 to 64 claiming out-of-work benefits had reached 2.15 million.
Nikita Malik, Head of Work and Opportunity at the CSJ, said the session highlighted the importance of supporting older people in work and life.
She said: “For older workers, employment is bound up with health, identity, and belonging, not income alone.”
‘Small charities like this are vital’
Ms Rippon, who was the first female journalist to be given a permanent role presenting the BBC national television news, praised the work of Training Cave and similar organisations in helping people rebuild confidence and stay connected.
She said: “For many people who get to their 50s, if they’re no longer in work, we must build their confidence back up again and help them realise that they still have so much to give if they want to.”
Ms Rippon added: “It’s important for everybody, regardless of your age, to still feel you are part of the community. A small charity like this is absolutely vital.”
MP highlights benefit of sport and community
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
Ms Leadbeater said the visit reinforced her belief in the role of physical activity in improving lives.
She said: “What I’ve seen today has reinforced my fundamental belief of the power of sport and physical activity in our communities, to empower physical health, mental health and social connection.”
Ms Leadbeater added: “Communities up and down the country are having difficult times in lots of ways. Yet there are also amazing groups and charities like Training Cave, showing the very best of our country.”
Supporting thousands through fitness and opportunity
Training Cave, based at Carr Mills Business Centre, is a boxing gym and social enterprise supporting more than 4,000 people each year.
Its programmes include sessions for over-50s, SEND provision for young people, and in-school initiatives.
Kim Leadbeater MP throws a knock-out punch! (Image: Mike Simmonds)
Building confidence and connections
CEO Jack Sunderland said the organisation has recently expanded into a larger facility.
He said: “”Before April, we operated out of a really small storage unit for about nine years, then we outgrew it. Since we moved into this place, it’s got a better feel about it and it’s definitely got that wow factor.”
Mr Sunderland added: “Through today’s focus group, I learned about the positive impact this environment has on our participants personally, the friendships that they’ve made, and just reducing that social isolation.”
Participants in the session took part in a group boxing class after contributing to the discussion, highlighting the role of physical activity in building confidence and community ties.