Thinking Outside The Box: Camden Market's Positive Mental Health Wellness Day

This February, Camden Market’s North Yard will host its first ever pop up boxing ring as it presents a FREE interactive Wellness Day centred around mindfulness and raising awareness of the beneficial effects that exercise can have on mental health.

The afternoon will feature a series of interactive workshops and talks, spoken word performances and culminate in a live boxing showcase as professional boxers Robbie Chapman (caretaker at Regents High School, Camden) who goes by the name of The Camden Caretaker and Yaser Al’Ghena go head to head in the ring. Both boxers are passionate pioneers of the positive effects that boxing can and has had on their own lives, and the match will be commentated by guest speaker, former professional prize fighter Spencer Fearon, who has extensive experience and knowledge for the cause and how boxing can present an alternative solution to alleviate mental health issues and is an established role model and inspirational figure on the British boxing scene.

Interactive workshops will range from female only boxing sessions led by female coaches to yoga classes centred around breathing and mindfulness, led by Triyoga and there’ll also be the chance to find out more about England Boxing’s new mental health initiative that was recently presented in parliament.

Abdul Hai, Director of Community Engagement comments “We’re delighted to be involved in raising awareness of the importance of mental health, physical activity and living an active lifestyle by hosting this first ever event at London’s iconic Camden Market. We are aware of the stigma attached to mental health and want to use the social vibrancy of the Market and community spirit within as a platform to break down social barriers and start conversation around this issue.”

The Market has partnered with Camden Council, Camden and Islington Public Health, BEAR Management LDN Ltd and voluntary organisations to run workshops, talks and information stalls on health and wellbeing to raise awareness and encourage people to access support and services.

The afternoon will be fuelled by fresh juice from Camden Juice Company and coincide with the launch of The Camden Grocer’s new health and happiness brunch menu. For a protein rich fix that packs a punch, check out the Market’s recent meaty new openings including rotisserie restaurant Kuku Riku, restaurant quality steak to go from Camden Town Roadkill and Yorkshire Burrito who are taking the humble roast and wrapping it up to go, in a giant Yorkshire pudding wrap.