BOXING legend Frank Bruno MBE is campaigning for a change of approach in how people with mental health illnesses are treated.

The former heavyweight champion of the world launched the Frank Bruno Foundation earlier this year.

The foundation aims to help people fight mental health problems through non-contact boxing sessions.

After battling many challenges himself, Mr Bruno MBE wants to give something back.

“I’m doing the Frank Bruno Foundation to help kids and those growing up who have mental health problems,” Mr Bruno MBE said.

“I think the government are treating them very roughly by given them medications and making them like zombies.

“It’s a well-being organisation as well as mental health, using exercise and talking about things to get them off your plate.

“I was sectioned three times, forced to take medication and it impacted me in a big way.

"There’s a lot of people suffering with the government medication just to keep people quiet and make their life easier.

“Some people who have alcohol problems have meetings.

“They talk about the things they’re going through and they can talk around the room and see they’re not really hard done by.

“Everybody’s got a rough time in their life and it’s a rocky road.”

After releasing his autobiography in 2006. the former boxer's second book goes on sale next month.

In the book, Mr Bruno MBE details the care he received after he was sectioned twice in the space of six weeks in 2012.

He was speaking at the official opening of Branksome Heights care home, which has undergone a major refurb.

“I think the current approach to mental health is very wrong,” Mr Bruno MBE added.

“The government are not putting a lot of concern or planning into it.

“They are just filling people up with medication rather than doing things to help their well-being like walking, talking and getting people round the table.

“They don’t know the facts if people or get to the root of their problems."

“They should look how Alcoholic Anonymous get people around the table and have different meetings where people can go.

“The government are making so many millions of pounds in council tax I think they could invest in things like homes so people can go to relate and talk to get their problems off their plate.