POWERDAY FOUNDATION RELAUNCHES SAM’S LISTENING SUPPORT SERVICE

Leading London recycling and waste management company Powerday, and partner London Boxing have relaunched mental health service Sam’s Listening, with confidential 24/7 text support service, Shout.

Named ‘Sam’s Listening’ in memory of former London boxer, amateur and professional coach, Sam Bezzina who tragically died at the age of 26, the service is free for anyone to access.  A unique provision for sport and clubs, ‘Sam’s Listening’ will support those requiring specialist assistance and provide support to those struggling. Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Shout was launched in May 2019 and has had more than 1.7 million conversation with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need in-the-moment support.

Sam’s Listening relaunch at this years Powerday Foundation bursary presentation

England and Wales alone saw over 1,600 suicides between April and July last year[1]  with three-quarters of these deaths amongst males.  Although this was a 18% decrease on the same period in 2019, there is concern about the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health.  The ONS announced in May 2021 that rates of depression across the UK had doubled at the start of the pandemic.[2]

Chief Executive Officer, Edward Crossan, says: “Like every life lost to suicide, Sam’s death was a tragedy.  We are launching this service in his memory, which was a great loss not only to his friends and family but to the world of boxing.  We are pleased to support this unique initiative in sport through London Boxing and Shout and provide assistance and care to those within the boxing family that might be going through what Sam went through.”

Sam’s Listening relaunch at this years Powerday Foundation bursary presentation

George Groves, former World Middleweight Champion, remarked: “Everybody needs somebody to talk to during difficult times and this initiative, through London Boxing, is a positive and contemporary offer to those who need support when things get tough.  It is a unique offer through a sport and will ensure people are given positive direction and options towards help when needed.”

Lenny Hagland, London Boxing Chairman, stated: “Everybody at some stage of their lives needs a sympathetic and specialist ear to be available and offer support plus help to steer through challenging times and circumstances.  This free helpline is a key and significant offer of assistance, available at any time.  We encourage anyone who needs it to please use it.”

Anyone who’s struggling to cope and needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure  text ‘BOXING’ to 85258

The free service is sponsored through Powerday’s charitable arm, the Powerday Foundation, as part of Powerday’s work to improve health and wellbeing amongst young Londoners