Martin Bisp takes the fight for change to TEDx Bristol

What started with two young people walking into a boxing gym in Bristol in 2006 has grown into a movement supporting thousands of young people through boxing, mentoring and mental health support.

In his TEDx Bristol talk, Martin reflects on the journey that led to the creation of Empire Fighting Chance and the lessons he has learned along the way.

At the heart of his message is a simple challenge: why do we wait until young people reach crisis point before we help them?

Martin argues that we need to invest in communities, create opportunity and build stronger connections between young people and the organisations around them.

He also explores the power of community-based organisations, drawing on Empire's experience of working with young people who may be struggling with their mental health, education, employment or involvement in violence.

Today, Empire works directly with around thousands of young people each year, while a network of  partner organisations across the UK use Empire's programmes to reach thousands more.

From Bristol to communities across the UK and internationally, Martin's message is clear: if we want to change the world, we need to invest in the communities where change begins.

Watch Martin's full TEDx Bristol talk

Watch the full talk to hear Martin's story from the early days of Empire Fighting Chance to his vision for creating safer communities and giving every young person a fighting chance.

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