Bridging the Gap for Teens in Corio and North Geelong
Dec 05, 2024
The challenges faced by teens in Corio and North Geelong inform every part of my approach. Their stories are reflected in statistics that paint a stark picture of unmet needs and unrealistic expectations. These young people are navigating lives shaped by socio-economic disadvantage, unstable home environments, and systemic inequities, all while managing adult-sized stress with the still-developing cognitive and emotional capacity of adolescence.
The system often demands emotional regulation, academic achievement, and compliance from teens who are simply not resourced to meet these expectations.
For many, this stress manifests in disengagement, risky behaviors, and frustration. Punitive measures like suspension or expulsion don’t address the root causes of their struggles. Instead, they amplify feelings of rejection, perpetuating cycles of shame, hopelessness, and disconnection from their community.
Why Beyond Boxing Exists
Beyond Boxing was created as a response to these challenges. It’s not just a gym—it’s a lifeline for teens who are falling through the cracks.
Belonging: We offer a safe, inclusive space where teens feel seen, valued, and supported—an environment that often doesn’t exist elsewhere in their lives.
Structure and Progress: Boxing provides the discipline, routine, and tangible growth they crave—a stark contrast to the instability and chaos they often face.
Trauma-Informed Support: Our program is designed with an understanding of the impact of trauma and stress, ensuring every interaction fosters healing and growth.
Skill Building: We focus on developing resilience, emotional regulation, and self-confidence—equipping teens with tools that extend far beyond the gym.
Creating Real Change
My work with Beyond Boxing is about shifting the narrative from punishment to possibility. The statistics from Corio and North Geelong highlight systemic inequities that demand structural change. It’s time we stop asking, “Why aren’t they meeting expectations?” and start asking, “How can we meet them where they are?”
Recognition and Insights
The impact of this work has been recognised beyond the gym. I was honored to be interviewed by the esteemed Resilience Centre, where I shared the philosophy and approach behind Beyond Boxing.
"In the episode, Boxing Beyond the Ring: Lena and Steve Moxon’s Impact on Youth Wellbeing, we discuss how my husband, two-time World Champion boxer Steve Moxon, and I are using the art and discipline of boxing to empower young people and strengthen communities".
You can listen to the episode here.
Beyond Boxing challenges the status quo by modeling what real support looks like. It’s a program that uplifts teens, acknowledges their challenges, and equips them with the resources they need to thrive. This isn’t just about supporting individual teens—it’s about creating a blueprint for meaningful, trauma-informed change in communities that need it most.
