2024 ALFED Annual Dinner Contributions Drive Positive Growth for The Frank Bruno Foundation

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) are thrilled to announce that the generous contributions raised at the 2024 ALFED Annual Dinner for The Frank Bruno Foundation have had a profound impact on the charity's ability to expand and enhance its services. Founded by former World Heavyweight Champion Boxer Frank Bruno MBE in 2017, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing early-stage mental ill health through a combination of physical activity and mental wellbeing support. With the funds raised at ALFED’s prestigious event, the Foundation is now able to offer even more help to those in need.

Who are The Frank Bruno Foundation – What do they do and why were they formed?

The Foundation was established as a direct result of Frank Bruno's own struggles with mental health and his desire to give back to the community. Frank has spoken openly about how exercise played a crucial role in his recovery, and he wanted to share this approach with others facing similar challenges. The Frank Bruno Foundation’s aim is to provide a holistic, enjoyable method to support mental wellbeing by combining the benefits of physical fitness with mental health support.

Through their unique “Round by Round” non-contact boxing and mental health 8-week programmes, the Foundation reaches out to individuals in need of support. These programmes offer an innovative and inclusive approach to mental health, making it easier for people of all backgrounds and ages to access much-needed care.

In addition to their programmes, the Foundation runs sessions for socially isolated individuals, helping them build lasting friendships and support networks. These sessions have proven to be life-changing for many, with clients going on to form close bonds that extend well beyond the sessions themselves. Referrals come from a range of professional organizations, including doctors’ practices, hospitals, schools, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), as well as from individuals through self-referrals and family/friend referrals.

The Frank Bruno Foundation also works within the community, delivering presentations and support to schools, businesses, and professional organizations. The pandemic underscored the urgent need for mental health services, and the Foundation has expanded its work to support not only adults but also children and young people. With increasing demand for mental health services across the region, the Foundation is proud to provide crucial support and fill gaps in care for those most vulnerable.

As the charity continues to grow, it is able to offer services to a wider range of clients and to collaborate with organizations like the Police, Social Prescribers, Doctor’s Practices, Mental Health Teams, and local schools, colleges, and universities. The Foundation also partners with Bridge, a local substance recovery team, to provide support for individuals in recovery, while offering opportunities for referrals to those who could benefit from their services.

Implementing Positive Change – How the money raised by ALFED is helping the Foundation pave the way in mental health advocacy

The Frank Bruno Foundation is especially grateful to have been selected as the Charity of Choice for the 2024 ALFED Annual Dinner. The funds raised will significantly contribute to the development of the Foundation’s services, enabling them to reach even more individuals in need.

Thanks to the generosity of ALFED and its supporters, the Foundation has been able to run a second weekly Round by Round Programme. This 8-week programme will provide support for an additional 30 individuals, helping them manage their mental health and build both physical and emotional strength. Additionally, one-to-one sessions for the most vulnerable participants will ensure that those who are not suitable for group settings receive the personalized care and attention they need.

Frank Bruno MBE, the Foundation's founder, expressed his deep gratitude for the support, saying:

“ALFED’s support has meant that my Foundation has been able to help more and more people.

For me, it’s not just a case of giving back but a case of trying to help people so they don’t have to experience what I had to. If somewhere like the Foundation had been around when I was first ill, I would never have suffered and certainly would not have been sectioned and gone through the hell that I went through. If I can save one person from that and in turn their family or carers going through what my family and myself have gone through, I know I will have done a good job.

Support for the work of my Foundation means the world to me and I cannot thank everyone enough.”

The Frank Bruno Foundation is committed to offering ongoing support to the community, ensuring that those struggling with mental health issues have the resources and guidance they need to regain control of their lives.

For more information about The Frank Bruno Foundation, please visit: www.thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk or follow them on Facebook.

To donate, please visit: Aluminium Federation is fundraising for The Frank Bruno Foundation