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Antonio Henry

@mrantoniohenry

2K

followers

1969

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Husband | Father
Social Entrepreneur | Counsellor
Mentor | Speaker
Co-Founder @made_cic
Building stronger people & communities.

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Recently, we met a young man who was going through a really complex time.

Rather than sitting across a table and expecting him to open up, we decided to do something different.

We used the gym.

A space where we could train, talk, build trust and give him an opportunity to positively release some of the emotions he was carrying.

Over the years, we’ve seen just how powerful gym based therapeutic interventions can be, especially within our one to one work with young people.

The gym can help young people build confidence and self esteem. It creates teachable moments, gives them a positive outlet for their emotions and, through role modelling, allows them to see possibilities outside of the cycle or environment they may currently find themselves in.

The young man said to us:

“I didn’t think doing this was even possible for me.”

And that’s the part that always sticks with us.

When a young person starts to gain focus, discipline and belief in themselves in one area, we often see it begin to transfer into other areas of their life. School, relationships, home life and the decisions they make.

Sometimes the therapy isn’t sitting in a room.

Sometimes it’s between sets.

Sometimes it’s during the journey home.

Sometimes it starts by simply creating a space where a young person feels comfortable enough to talk.

A massive thank you to @avfcfoundation and @youthendowfund for continuing to support and fund interventions that allow us to meet young people where they are. 💪🏾

#MADECIC #YouthMentoring #GymBasedInterventions #YouthWork #Mentoring TherapeuticMentoring Birmingham YouthEmpowerment taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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9 days ago

Brothers Day Out… 🙏💪 taken in Unit Four Gym by @mrantoniohenry

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12 days ago

FREE FOOD FOR ANYONE THAT CAN BEAT US IN A RACE! 😂🏃🏾‍♂️💨

Another day out doing outreach across Aston and Newtown.

Sport and fitness is always a great way to engage with young people. Sometimes all it takes is a race, a football or a little challenge to break down barriers, start conversations and build relationships.

Outreach is about meeting young people where they are.

No fancy setting. Just being present, being consistent and creating positive opportunities to engage.

Although I think some of these young people have been waiting for the opportunity to race us 😂

@avfcfoundation @youthendowfund

#MADECIC #Aston #Newtown #Birmingham #YouthWork DetachedYouthWork Outreach YouthEngagement SportForDevelopment taken in Newtown, Birmingham by @mrantoniohenry

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20 days ago

What started off as taking a few young people to the gym as an intervention to help prevent serious youth violence grew into something we could never have imagined.

That intervention became Gym Club Aston.

Gym Club Aston which was funded by @avfcfoundation and @youthendowfund went on to engage and support hundreds of young people, using fitness as more than just exercise. It became a space for mentoring, building relationships, developing discipline and giving young people somewhere positive to belong.

So, to now receive recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Physical Activity in the Community of Aston is a real honour.

Sometimes you’re so focused on the work that still needs to be done that you don’t always stop and recognise how far you’ve come.

Thank you to Callum D and all the team for your support, and thank you to @sportbirmingham for the recognition.

But we’re not finished.

There is still so much work to be done across Aston, and we’re excited about what the future holds. taken in Aston by @mrantoniohenry

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23 days ago

Protect Your Peace… taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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25 days ago

We recently had the opportunity to do some work in HMP, and as always, it was a blessing to be able to go in and speak with the men. However, I left feeling encouraged but also very reflective.

It honestly breaks my heart knowing there are people behind those bars who just needed some help, guidance and support. For some of them, it was one decision or one moment that completely changed their life, and now they are there for a period of time.

What stood out to me was that many of the men didn’t have a clear plan for what life would look like when they came out. Some were even scared to be released because returning to everyday life and potentially going back to the same situations and environments can be really daunting.

It has left me thinking about what we can do to support people when they leave prison. It has also made me reflect on the young people we are working with now because we never want them to end up there. We want to help them make better decisions, understand the consequences of their actions and recognise that they have other options.

I just want to encourage anyone who may be going down the wrong path to really think about the decisions they are making. Sometimes, it only takes one decision or one moment to completely change your life.

You don’t truly understand what it feels like to lose your freedom until you are on the other side of those bars.

Please think about what you’re doing. Your future matters.

#MADECIC #YouthMentoring #EarlyIntervention #YouthWork #PrisonRehabilitation SecondChances taken in HM Prison Brinsford by @mrantoniohenry

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a month ago

🚨 THIS IS IT! 🚨

The moment we’ve all been waiting for… it’s time to reveal the FINAL category of finalists for the MBCC Awards 2026! 🌟

🏆 Role Model of the Year

This prestigious award recognises an exceptional individual—whether employed, self employed or a volunteer; who has gone above and beyond, exceeded expectations, and made a lasting positive impact on the people and communities around them.

Our finalists embody outstanding ethics, inspiring values, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. They lead by example and remind us of the power of one person to create meaningful change.

👏 Congratulations to all of our incredible finalists! Your dedication and influence deserve to be celebrated.

Now there’s only one thing left to do... join us on the night as we crown this year’s winners and celebrate the very best in our community. ✨

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast!!! secure yours today at www.mbccawards.com

#MBCCAwards #RoleModelOfTheYear Finalists Awards2026 MakingADifference Leadership CommunityChampions CelebrateSucce by @mrantoniohenry

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2 months ago

I’ve been reflecting on this @streetgames_midlands community safety and violence prevention network event, and one message has really stayed with me.

Sport isn’t the intervention. Relationships are.

Young people don’t just need activities. They need trusted adults, safe spaces, consistency and somewhere they feel they belong.

It was powerful to hear the evidence behind what so many grassroots organisations see every day. Sport is the hook, but mentoring, meaningful relationships and early intervention are what create lasting change.

It also reinforced the importance of working together. No one organisation can solve these challenges alone, but together we can create better opportunities and brighter futures for the young people we serve.

Always a good day when you get to see @blesst.group @inunityuk @positiveimpactdevelopment @sportbirmingham and all the other amazing organisations in the room.

Now it’s about turning the learning into action.

#MADECIC #YouthWork #SportForDevelopment #EarlyIntervention #Mentoring Community taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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3 months ago

Had the pleasure of attending @thestudyofmen

It was a reminder that many men aren’t silent because they don’t want to talk, they’re silent because they don’t know where it’s safe to.

Massive respect to The Study of Men for creating a space where men can have honest conversations, feel heard, and realise they don’t have to carry everything on their own.

If you’re looking for a space to reflect, connect, or simply listen, I’d highly recommend attending the next The Boy Who Raised the Man event on 26th July. These are the conversations we need more of.

#TheStudyOfMen #TheBoyWhoRaisedTheMan #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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3 months ago

Honoured to be named a finalist for Role Model of the Year 2026 at the @mbccawards_ .

Recognition is never the reason I do this work, but it’s always appreciated. I take the responsibility of being a role model seriously and remain committed to showing up for the young people and communities we serve every day.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and @made_cic along the way. This recognition belongs to all of us.

The work continues.

#MBCCAwards2026 #RoleModelOfTheYear #Finalist #MADECIC #CommunityImpact YouthMentoring taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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3 months ago

Jerk Chicken anyone?🙋🏾‍♀️😌🤎

#Themelaninmoods #SoulFood #CaribbeanCooking #blackmentalhealth #foodjutsu taken in Xcelerate with Edgbaston by @mrantoniohenry

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4 months ago

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

Fatherhood is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it’s definitely not one of the easiest. None of us are perfect, and most of us are learning as we go. We make mistakes, we grow, and we keep showing up for our children every day.

This Father’s Day, I was blessed to attend the @hairfyx1 Daddy & Me event. It was great to see fathers spending quality time with their children, building connections and creating lasting memories.

To every dad, stepdad, grandad, mentor and father figure, keep going. Your presence matters more than you know.

Happy Father’s Day 🙏🖤💪 taken in Birmingham, United Kingdom by @mrantoniohenry

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4 months ago