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Introducing...

If you find yourself struggling, I’m verysorry - I’ve been there, and I wouldn’twish it on anybody. That’s why Icreated Knock Out Depression, and ifyou are struggling, then I’m glad youfound your way here.This introduction lets you know what we’reabout and how we can help you. It will alsohelp you to get a sense of whether we areright for you; after all, different approacheswork for different people. Depression is a complex illness, andeverybody’s experience of it is different.There’s no one-size-fits-all approach tomanaging and overcoming depression. Our aim is to help you to find what works for you.Our programmes are built on livedexperience, an understanding of what ittakes to fight this awful illness, and onknowing that it is something that can beovercome. Read on to find out about our approach to helping you do that. WelcomeMatthewMatthewKnock Out Depression FounderMatthew Williams

Suitable for ages 18-80 Suitable for all fitness levels Boxing experiencenot neededOur six-session adult community programmesprovide physical and mental training to help knock out depression. Our community programmesYou don’t need to be fitand you won’t get hit!Each session includes:1 hour of non-contact boxingtraining (bags, pads, fitness)1 hour Knock Out Depressioneducation, discussion andgroup peer support session(with a cuppa and biscuits).Discussion & peersupportsessionFun, non-contactboxingworkout

We currently run programmes at Billingham BoxingAcademy and Redcar Boxing Club, and we have plans to extend our programmes throughout Tees Valley,and into boxing clubs around the country.Programme dates andregistrationdetails

The main aim of our programmes is to help you tobetter understand and manage depression. You willreceive a high quality handbook, as well as access to asuite of online supporting resources.Understanding & Managing Depression ContentSession 1: Understanding the OpponentUnderstand depression and your mind, and discover whathas been shown to boost your mood in minutes.Session 2: 5 Ways to WellbeingPowerful daily habits that are supported by research toimprove your mental wellbeing.Session 3: Lessons From Lived ExperienceInsights gained from the depths that have helped yourKnock Out Depression trainer to grow through depression.Session 4: Habits for a Healthy MindStrategies to help you to fight back and put depression onthe ropes.Session 5: Managing Our ThoughtsSilence the trash talk! Recognise negative thinking patternsassociated with depression and learn how to challenge them.Session 6: Change Your Story, Change Your LifeRecognise the power of your personal narratives about whoyou are and the life you live, and learn how to use them to take greater control over your next chapters.

If you are unable to attend our communityprogrammes you can complete the programmeonline (minus the boxing sessions). You will haveaccess to our full suite of online resources and support via zoom.Our online programmes50+ bite-sized videosBeautifully presentedhandbookInspirational poetry,quotes, and links tofurther resources.

If you feel like life is a struggle, if it’s hard tofind your smile, or if you just don’t feel like youanymore, then Knock Out Depression is for you. You might have been diagnosed with depression, butyou might not. You might not know for sure if you havedepression. You may even feel that depression justisn’t something that could happen to you. Perhaps youfeel stressed or irritable, or maybe you are havingproblems in your relationships or at work. Financialworries may be getting you down, or you may feellonely and isolated.Whether you have a diagnosis or not, it doesn’t matterto us. If you feel like you need some help and supportto enjoy life and to feel like you again, then we’re herefor you. We’re your cornerman.Who is Knock Out Depression For?

Everyone who joins Knock Out Depression wants toimprove their mental health, but each individual hastheir own additional reasons for joining. The most common are highlighted below.Why people join usGet physicallyfitter, healthier andmore activeConnection, peersupport, friendship Understanddepression anddevelop copingstrategies Have a goal or focusImprove self esteem and self confidence

We measure our participants’ wellbeing prior tostarting our programmes and again uponcompletion, so that we can measure the differencewe make. Here are some of our results from peoplewho have completed our programmes. Our resultsDid it help you?Yes:100%9.5Average Programme Rating (/10)Confidence managingmental healthPre:5.6Post:8.2

‘I’ve gone from no hopeto finding a new outlet.’‘Gave me hope and helped me a great dealI know i’m not alone.’‘Put the smile back on my face.Top notch!’What our participants say about our programmesmeans everything to us. This is why we do what wedo - to make a difference, and to help people to comeback punching and knock out depression.What participants say about us‘Helped me enormously, I could not recommendthis programme highlyenough.’ 'Gave me a focus and purpose when at a low point. Helped massively.''I was totally out of my comfortzone but made to feel so welcome.I really enjoyed every aspect ofthis course, thanks for all you did.'‘One of the best things I ever did for my mental health.’

We all fight our own fight, but nobody shouldhave to fight aloneDepression can be horribly lonely and isolating. We canfeel like we’re on our own, and nobody else understands.While nobody can fight for you, others can fight withyou. Peer support can be so powerful, and on ourprogrammes you will be alongside others who arefighting their own fight. What’s more, the sessions aredelivered by people who’ve been there. We get it.2Our programmes are built on a series of beliefsabout depression. These beliefs are rooted inpersonal lived experience of battling depression,and in supporting others who are struggling. What we believeDepression isn’t YOUDepression isn’t you. It’s not a weakness,it’s not a character flaw. Depression is anillness, and it’s one that can be overcome.1

Depression isn’t unbeatableDepression can be beaten, despite whatit tells you. It’s not a fundamental partof who you are, and it doesn’t have tobe a life sentence.3We all need a cornermanEven the best fighters in the world need acornerman. There’s no shame in asking for help.In fact, seeking help takes strength, and thatstrength will help you in your fight.4

5There’s no ‘one punch knockout’People often ask me what was the one thing thatcured my depression. This is too simplistic. Just as inboxing, where one punch knockouts are the exceptionrather than the rule, it is usually a combination of‘punches’ that gets the job done. Our programmeshighlight many things that have been shown to helpfight depression, and we help you to find the rightcombination for you. 6The power of boxingBoxing is a brilliant form of physical activitythat is great for fitness, is fun, and helps buildself confidence. More than that, boxing offers afantastic metaphor for life and for strugglethat is both relatable, and can help you to seethe fight with depression in a new way. 7One more roundAs long as there is life there is hope.We fight depression one punch, oneround at a time. And there is alwaysone more round.

8Your worst days can lead you to your bestIt can be hard to see a future when we are goingthrough depression. However, we know that there islife on the other side of it. What’s more, what you learnfrom the fight can help you to live a better, fuller lifethan you did before. Not only can you knock outdepression, but you can go on to create yourchampionship life.

Building on our beliefs, our programmes use a unique‘four punch combination’ approach to help you knock out depression.Know the OpponentWe help you to understand depressionand to see it as an external opponent,not a part of who you are.2Knock Out StigmaWe challenge the myths that can makeyou feel ashamed to struggle.1Know YourselfKnow your attributes, your stressors,what helps you to thrive and what givesyou a sense of meaning and purpose.3Implement the Fight PlanWe help you to understand the differentways that you can fight depression andto find the right combination for you.4The pillars of our programmes

At Knock Out Depression we also offer practical mental health awareness training that really packs a punch. Get on the boxing gloves at our unique 4hour workshop for a real, relevant, andengaging way to understand and supportbetter mental healthDiscover the surprising, illuminating, andhard-hitting lessons that boxing can teachyou about mental health, and what itmeans for you and those you care about Unique practical mental healthtrainingBecca Brighty, Brighty People‘Very fun and engaging, the metaphor ofboxing is really powerful. Matthew is agreat presenter, involves the audience, isfunny, and a pleasure to work with. Ihighly recommend to all businesses.Hiring him could save a life.’Ideal forbusinessesandcommunitygroups

I'm passionate about mentalhealth, having been floored bydepression three times. Idecided to use my experience tohelp others and have featured inmajor national mental healthcampaigns for Time to Change. Ialso spent 18 months working fora mental health charity.As the founder of Knock OutDepression, I use the power ofboxing to help people understandand manage depression, and buildself confidence and self esteem. Iam a qualified life coach, boxingcoach, and author of ‘SomethingChanged’ - a memoir of my ownexperiences of depression.Boxing has been mypassion since watchingRocky 2 at 10 years old. I was hooked. I spent 11years working for thesport’s governing body,England Boxing, where my roles included leadingnational coach and club developmentprogrammes.About our founderMatthew WilliamsContact07885 217448matthew@knockoutdepression.co.ukWWW.KNOCKOUTDEPRESSION.CO.UK