Success for mental health awareness skateboard event in Hastings
To celebrate mental health awareness week (May 13-19) the largest ever mental health-themed skateboard event took place at the world's largest underground skatepark, The Source , Hastings
Celebrating the theme of movement. Head On Board CIC and The Source skate park held the Head On Board Skate Jam on Saturday, May 18.
The event, funded by Making It Happen, saw students from East Sussex College Hastings volunteer to assist in running the event. Youth workers from Hastings Youth Commons and Xtrax Young People’s Centre supporting the day. The men’s mental health project Mr Hastings and St Leonards were on hand to engage with men in the town.
The event was well supported by the local community and attracted skateboard enthusiasts from across the South East and some skater’s coming as far as Nottingham.
Throughout the day there were visits from the local MP, Borough Councillors’ Sussex Police and community figures.
Director of Head On Board, Matt Davey, said: “My hope is to make the Head On Board Jam an annual event that works on many levels, promoting good mental health through skateboarding and showcasing world class unique facilities like The Source. At the same time giving local young people employment related opportunities, giving local organisations to reach more people and particularly those that support mental health."
With skateboarding coming up in the Summer Olympics in Paris the interest and participation has never been so high. Active Sussex attended to make a film of the event to promote Skateboarding as an activity in the run up to Paris 2024.