A young man from Wales, Cameron, found himself homeless after being evicted from his rental property. Struggling with poor mental health and aimlessly passing his days, he turned to smoking cannabis. However, his life took a positive turn when he discovered martial arts sessions provided by Fighting Homelessness CIC. Founded by Rob Green in Cardiff, this not-for-profit organisation offers martial arts training to individuals experiencing homelessness across Wales. These sessions aim to provide a support system to help individuals in tough circumstances.
Supported by The National Lottery, Fighting Homelessness has expanded its programmes beyond Cardiff and into areas like Bridgend, Pontypridd, Merthyr, Swansea, Bangor, and Rhyl. The sessions in Bridgend have given individuals like Cameron a newfound sense of purpose. Cameron shared that before joining the sessions, he was lost and lacked direction. However, martial arts provided him with a reason to wake up, boosting his confidence and opening his eyes to new opportunities.
Rob Green’s inspiration for Fighting Homelessness stemmed from his love for martial arts and support work. By combining these passions, Rob developed a unique approach to using combat sports as a mechanism to support individuals experiencing homelessness. The focus is on providing hidden support within the martial arts sessions to help participants overcome challenges without traditional therapy settings. The project has even extended its reach to schools and prisons, impacting various individuals positively.
Fighting Homelessness has a team of former participants who now work to support new members. This approach creates a sense of camaraderie and trust among participants as they work towards personal growth. Aled Miles-Yates, a team member who found solace in the sessions, highlighted the importance of these vital sessions in bringing him out of a dark mental space. Aled’s journey from struggling with addiction and mental health issues to now being an integral part of Rob’s team showcases the transformative power of the project.
Another team member, David ‘Dai’ John, shared his story of battling addiction and finding purpose through martial arts. Dai’s experience illustrates the positive impact Fighting Homelessness has had on individuals, helping them build confidence and self-belief. By fostering a community of support through martial arts, participants like Dai have transformed their lives and developed a positive outlook on the future. The project’s emphasis on discipline and passion for martial arts has led many to overcome challenges like addiction and reoffending behaviours.
Rob Green’s vision for Fighting Homelessness extends beyond Wales, with plans to expand into England and establish supported accommodations for participants. By creating a positive and supportive environment for individuals to continue their personal growth, Rob aims to provide ongoing support beyond martial arts training. The project’s success stories, like that of a young man breaking a generational cycle of challenges, highlight the profound impact Fighting Homelessness has on people’s lives.
As a single father to his son Tommy, Rob’s commitment to making a difference in people’s lives is a driving force behind his aspirations for the project. The personal stories of transformation and empowerment from participants like Cameron, Aled, and Dai showcase the life-changing impact of Fighting Homelessness. Through martial arts and support work, this initiative continues to provide hope and purpose for individuals experiencing homelessness in Wales and beyond.