Box Smart allows people come together and do something positive
By Aideen O'Flaherty
OLYMPIC silver medallist Kenneth Egan will be facilitating the physical module of the Box Smart initiative, which helps people who are in recovery from various addictions, and which was launched in the Brookview Gym in Tallaght.
Box Smart, which is now in its fourth year, is a four-month drug rehabilitation programme run by the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP) that takes a multi-faceted approach to recovery by encouraging the mental and physical health of the participants.
There have been over 65 participants, both men and women, who have been through the programme so far, and there are currently 15 clients engaged in the current programme.
Kenneth Egan, who is also a Fine Gael councillor for Clondalkin, will be putting the group through their paces for the physical module of the programme.
Cllr Egan told The Echo: “Box Smart is a positive outlet [for people with addiction issues], and this programme allows them to come together and do something positive together.
“They’re getting involved in an activity that requires discipline and respect, and that, in itself, is taking on responsibility.”
Cllr Egan added: “I come from addiction myself, and I’ve been sober for eight years now.
“I was training all my life and drinking all my life, but boxing kept me on the straight and narrow.”
Pat Daly, manager of the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project, said: “The 15 clients who are currently engaged in the Box Smart are in recovery from various addiction issues and the Box Smart has had huge benefits to their physical and mental health wellbeing, as well as having a positive effect on their families and the community as a whole.
“For the last three years the Box Smart has had various accreditation certifications, from QQI level 4 to QQI level 5. At present TRP are in negotiations to insure accreditation for the 2018 module.
“The Box Smart is funded every year through the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force and for the very minimum costing of the Box Smart the benefits are tremendous for the clients.”
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