{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/620926e9068eb400129e71c1/65afca85a3c7c80016c4897d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Adam Ballard and Ben Eckett - Directors of Gloves Not Gunz & Urban Yogis","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/620926e9068eb400129e71c1/1706018972910-84373c3dac6dfc28cc21b6019c7f7480.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What does it take to protect and divert young people from crime and antisocial behaviour? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And how do you address the disadvantages and lack of opportunities that lead to young people believing they have no agency or choice? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Adam Ballard and Ben Eckett are the Directors of Gloves Not Gunz and Urban Yogis. Together, they are using a holistic approach to provide purpose, safety and belonging to young people at risk of harm by involvement in, or proximity to, criminal activity. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In our conversation, Adam and Ben share: </p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Their experiences of education and how early brushes with the law and exclusion lead to moments of realisation </li><li>Why the combination of mentoring, therapy, education, employability and community is key to helping vulnerable young people </li><li>How sport can be the perfect entry point to empowering young people to positively shape their own futures </li><li>The value in changing the perception of yoga as a pursuit for \"white, middle-aged women\" </li><li>What Idris Elba was doing at their boxing club! </li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After seven years of careful, methodical building, Adam and Ben have created a series of services that are trusted by a number of London Boroughs and Violence Reduction Units to help vulnerable young people shape the futures they deserve. There will be some exciting news in March 2024 - to stay updated head to: </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Gloves Not Gunz: <a href=\"https://glovesnotgunz.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://glovesnotgunz.org/</a> </p><p>Urban Yogis: <a href=\"https://urbanyogisuk.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://urbanyogisuk.com/</a> </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To connect with Adam and Ben directly, you can find them both on LinkedIn: </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Adam: <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ballard-b7b418b7/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ballard-b7b418b7/</a> </p><p>Ben: <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-eckett-481093130/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-eckett-481093130/</a></p>","author_name":"Toni Kent"}