New Sheffield gym launched to help young people stay out of crime

In2Change already runs a series of crime prevention programmes for children who are referred from schools for being in ‘high risk’ of committing criminal activity.

The centre includes a mock courtroom and prison to illustrate the reality of the criminal world through role-play.

Recently, In2Change, based at Rutland Hall in Kelham Island, has received treadmills, exercise bikes, pull up bars and boxing gear to help deter young people away from a life of crime.

Hanif Mohammed, assistant manager, said: “If you think of Mike Tyson, he was a troubled young man who was on his way to prison and then got into boxing.

“Where people lack in academia, they can excel in terms of athleticism, It allows people to air their frustration.

“If you’re constantly smoking weed and drinking, we’re hoping you can exchange the nicotine for protein.”

The centre takes recently released vetted offenders to use themselves as an example to the young people, who are able to relate to them more.

Hanif joined the charity after being released from prison in 2013, serving half of a ten-year sentence for manslaughter.

Since then, he has helped educate 20,000 children about the realities of being in prison and how to turn their lives around.