Where we started. Where we’re going
Our story
We’re here to empower young people and drive real change. We provide individual, life-changing support to vulnerable young individuals impacted by crime and violence from communities across Nottinghamshire.
Our purpose is clear: to help them unlock their true potential by strengthening their mental and physical well-being, and equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Where it all began
Dr. Marcellus Baz BEM is an internationally respected leader, entrepreneur and changemaker whose journey from Nottingham’s inner city streets to global recognition continues to inspire communities across the world.
As founder and CEO of Switch Up and the Marcellus Baz Foundation, Baz has dedicated his life to creating hope, opportunity and empowerment for those affected by crime, poverty and social exclusion – especially young people and their families.
His work in mentoring young people away from criminality using physical exercise and positive role models as a means of engagement would later form the foundation of our Five Pillar approach – an initiative that has been recognised across Nottinghamshire, the UK and beyond.
Growing up in Nottingham, Baz was surrounded by crime and deprivation. Like many of his peers, he was drawn into street life at a young age. But when he discovered boxing, everything changed. The sport gave him structure, focus and self-belief – qualities that would ultimately steer his life in a new direction.
“ Boxing didn’t just teach me discipline, it gave me purpose. It showed me I was worth more than the limits my environment tried to place on me, and that I had the power to rewrite my story. ”
After surviving a near-fatal stabbing, Baz knew he had to make a choice. He decided not only to turn his own life around, but to dedicate himself to helping others break free from the same cycles of violence he had seen claim so many of his friends.
That decisions led to the creation of Switch Up and the Marcellus Baz Foundation – organisation that continue to provide mentoring, education, mental health support and opportunities to thousands of young people.
Baz’s impact has been recognised both nationally and internationally. In 2016, he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to youth and sport, and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero. That same year, Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles presented him with the City of Los Angeles Certificate of International Recognition for his exceptional work building peace in communities and giving young people the chance to thrive.
In 2023, Baz was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his continued leadership in social justice and community development.
Today, he works with schools, prisons, local authorities and policy makers, using his lived experiences to influence real change.
Crafting our approach
Initially, Baz’s dream was to reach out to young people in troubled communities and use boxing coaching to not only improve physical fitness and mental wellness, but self-belief and self-discipline.
Initial success led to greater ambition, enabling Switch Up to create and deliver its Five Pillar approach, which now forms the basis of our entire organisation.
05.
Employability
Delivering work experience, job search support, training and apprenticeships
Building our community
The Switch Up family is vital to reach and support more young people, and to be there for anyone that needs help but has nowhere else to turn.
We are principally funded by awards given by third party charitable and grant making organisations.
There is no history of investment of financial capital into our enterprise, but we have a rich history of investment through the time and passion of our founder, staff and supporters.
Everyone deserves the chance to thrive. And we’re here to make sure they do.
Many of our staff members came through our doors to receive support and are now giving their time and lessons learned to further sustain our work.
We have a growing cohort of volunteers, who invest their time and skills across multiple areas. This investment allows our paid employees to concentrate on their day-to-day work.
There is also a passionate group of Switch Up patrons and business partners who freely invest their time, expertise and connections. Their passion and commitment have helped us broaden our horizons, bringing our initiative to a much wider world of potential supporters. They are simply invaluable.
Want to become part of our story?
Join us in making a difference and change lives.
