High Sheriff Mike Rice and Tribune Trust Director Steve Clayton visit The Vulcan Centre after £2,500

The Vulcan Centre in Hull has received a £2,500 grant from the Tribune Trust to support its innovative ‘Vulcan Box and Chat’ project, aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting young people in one of the most deprived areas of the country.

High Sheriff of the East Riding, Mike Rice, joined Steve Clayton, Director of the Tribune Trust, on a visit to the centre to meet staff, young people and members of the Vulcan Youth Council. The visit provided an opportunity to see first-hand how the grant will be used to fund equipment and sessional workers to deliver two weekly sessions that combine boxing activities with vital conversations around mental health, role models, lifestyle choices and community belonging.

The ‘Box and Chat’ sessions, developed by the youth council in response to the challenges faced by their peers, are designed to offer an accessible, non-competitive fitness programme alongside guided discussions. These sessions encourage young people to open up about the pressures they face, including the influence of online trends, substance misuse, and feelings of isolation. The project will also provide starter packs with essentials such as gloves, pads, t-shirts, and water bottles to ensure inclusivity for all participants.

By empowering local young people to take the lead, the Vulcan Centre is creating a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop resilience, build positive support networks and avoid the risks of criminal exploitation.

Steve Clayton, Director of the Tribune Trust, said:

“The Vulcan Centre is making a real difference at the heart of its community. This project embodies the values of the Tribune Trust—supporting vulnerable young people, reducing crime and disorder, and helping build stronger, safer neighbourhoods. We are proud to support their work.”

Mike Rice, High Sheriff of the East Riding, added:

“It was inspiring to meet the young people involved and see their passion for creating change. This initiative is not just about sport—it’s about hope, inclusion, and giving young people the chance to shape their own futures.”

Seb Glazier, CEO of the Vulcan Centre, said:

“We are delighted to receive this support from the Tribune Trust. The funding will allow us to expand our Box and Chat sessions, which have been designed with and for young people in our community. These sessions not only help improve physical health but also provide a safe space for honest conversations around the challenges they face. With this backing, we can continue to give young people the tools and confidence to make positive choices in their lives.”

The Vulcan Centre is seeking to raise a total of £5,000 to deliver the programme for a year, and has also approached other partners including Street Games to support the project’s sustainability.

For more information or to apply for funding, visit: www.tribunetrust.org