Our clubs are back this week, with an exciting new addition to our What’s New Wednesday!
We will be running a 4-week boxing programme in partnership with BLAST Boxing at Fetlor for P6+.
To sign up, please fill in the link below:
CREATIVITY, CONNECTION & FESTIVE FUN
WHAT’S ON TODAY – Thursday 11 December at North Edinburgh Arts
A full day of creativity, connection & festive fun, and most activities are free to join.
Winter Pop-Up Market | 11am–3pm
Handmade Christmas decorations, art and gifts by local artists & makers from Granton Art Collective, supported by NEA X NESSIE
Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Scrooge | 1.30–3.30pm
A relaxed, welcoming screening of the classic 1970s film
Garden Sessions for Adults | 1.30–4pm
Get active, learn new skills & meet new people in our Community Garden
Youth Arts Collective | 4–6pm
Creative challenges, fun games, snacks & chats for local young people
Women’s Wellbeing Workout | 6–7pm
BLAST Boxing for mental health, confidence & fitness (Pay What You Can)
Talk: Scottish UFOs | 6–7.15pm
A fascinating history of UFO culture with Dr Gavin Miller
Adult Social Club (16+) | 6–8pm
Board games, music, hot drinks & relaxed social time
Men’s Boxing Workout | 7–8pm
Fitness & wellbeing through boxing (Pay What You Can)
There’s something for everyone to enjoy so come and join the fun and make the most of it before the festive break!
More details can be found at: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on
TUESDAY SESSIONS
9.30 -11.30 BOX N’ BLETHER
5 – 5:45 youth boxing and fitness session
6 – 7pm BLAST BOXfit!
All sessions are aimed at mental aswell as physical well-being.
Delivered in a friendly fun but challenging manner focused on having a laugh and building positive relationships within the groups.
BLAST, it’s more than just boxing! 
An Edinburgh start-up is making a major impact in communities after accessing support from Business Gateway.
Blast Boxing, a community interest company, aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible boxing classes and one-to-one sessions. Designed to help locals get fit, have fun and learn core boxing skills, the sessions take place in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Founded by Kevin Matthews, the organisation offers a range of affordable classes for children and adults, along with drop-in social events and PE sessions delivered through Edinburgh’s Active Schools programme.
Blast Boxing also hosts specialist wellbeing sessions, including ‘Box N’ Blether’, a popular format combining one hour of physical activity with one hour of open conversation, as well as parent-and-toddler classes and wellbeing sessions for both men and women.
Working with a range of established organisations and charities in Edinburgh, the team offer physical and emotional support to residents in disadvantaged communities. As well as boxing, the team brings years of experience and qualifications in youth work, community engagement, health and fitness.
Having previously worked in the community as a pupil support assistant and youth worker, Kevin saw firsthand the positive impact exercise had on mental health. At the age of 30, he pursued a qualification in sports coaching, setting the foundation for his vision of a community-focused fitness organisation.
Blast Boxing has recently worked alongside charities Score Scotland and Spartans, to support young people and adults in the area through introductory sessions, mentorship and dedicated classes and is currently running sessions with West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Kevin reached out to Business Gateway in January 2024 to turn his vision into reality. He has been supported throughout his start-up journey by local adviser Lee Briggs, who has provided expert one-to-one guidance, business planning assistance, and advice on business structure, legislation, and community engagement.
Business Gateway has also helped Kevin access funding opportunities and connect with local groups, enabling Blast Boxing to thrive.
Lee’s guidance has played a key role in Kevin’s journey to grow Blast Boxing into a thriving enterprise, allowing the business to make a meaningful and lasting impact across Edinburgh.
Kevin Matthews, Blast Boxing founder, said: “Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me bring my vision for Blast Boxing to life.
“The support and guidance I’ve received from Lee has given me the confidence and knowledge to shape Blast Boxing into an initiative that serves the community and makes a real difference on the lives of those involved.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Having supported Kevin since day one, it has been fantastic to see his passion and dedication translate into real, positive change for the community.
“Blast Boxing is a brilliant example of how the right support and determination can create something truly impactful.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
BOX N’ BLETHER (starting Tuesday 22nd October)
This is a safe space to come together and enjoy a boxing workout and all its great benefits. It’s also the opportunity to meet and socialise others in our community. We’re here to chat, help and support wherever possible.
This is open to everyone who may benefit from the service. Please drop a message to register interest or for more info.
BLAST, it’s more than just fitness.
