Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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Two seemingly unrelated organisations – one in Bristol, one in Edmonton, Canada – are working innovatively to support vulnerable youth and promote community safety. Bristol youth boxing charity, Empire Fighting Chance, and REACH Edmonton, share how they’re reducing violence an ocean apart.

The panel will be led by Alex Beresford, Empire Fighting Chance Ambassador and TV presenter, and will include: Martin Bisp (Co-Founder & CEO, Empire-Fighting Chance); Jan Fox (Executive Director, REACH Edmonton); Dr Craig Johnston (Senior Lecturer in Criminology, UWE Bristol); and Mariella Miller-Davies (Fundraising Assistant and Youth Voice Ambassador, Empire Fighting Chance).

Links:
Bristol Distinguished Address Series: The Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) - Events | UWE Bristol
Martin Bisp, Empire Fighting Chance: (28) Martin Bisp | LinkedIn
Empire Fighting Chance Team: Our People
Jan Fox: Jan Fox – REACH Edmonton
REACH, Edmonton: REACH Edmonton – REACH Edmonton
Dr Craig Johnston, UWE: Dr Craig Johnston - UWE Bristol
Watershed: Watershed | Cultural cinema, talent development and creative technology in Bristol