Skateboarding is intergenerational and great for mental health

“It is like one big inclusive tribe” – this is how skateboarding has been described by the founder of the mental health project HeadOn Board.

Matt Davey set up HeadOn Board in response to the suicide of three men who were skateboarders in Hastings & St Leonards.

The project aims to improve men’s mental health, wellbeing and reduce the risks of suicide through skateboarding for men over 18.

Matt organised the HeadOn Board Skatejam hosted at The Source Park in Hastings as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May. 

The day saw skaters of all ages and genders take part, with all proceeds going to the Ben Raemers Foundation – a charity set up in memory of professional skateboarder Ben Raemers who died by suicide aged 28.  

Matt from HeadOn Board said: “I cannot think of anything better for wellbeing than skating.

“It is not just skating, it is the people involved in it. They are very positive people, they are very fun. 

“What is interesting about skating is that it is totally intergenerational, which is amazing for your mental health. 

“You can have someone skating who is eight alongside someone who is 50 and that’s cool and there are not many activities like that. There’s a sort of togetherness, like one big inclusive tribe.”

Linking with the mental health benefits, in 2021 the University of Exeter published a study which looked at how skateboarding helps middle-aged people navigate depression and bond with their children.

You can read the article here.

This summer’s Olympics in Paris will once again feature skateboarding.

The GB team features Britain’s youngest Olympic medallist Sky Brown, who will aim to improve on her bronze from 2020 as part of Team GB’s skateboarding squad, alongside 50-year-old Andy Macdonald and 16-year-old Lola Tambling – demonstrating the inclusivity of the sport.

Sussex benefits from 66 skateboard parks – 34 in West Sussex and 32 in East Sussex – helping to make it an accessible activity for anyone who would like to give it a try.

Matt said: “If you are a beginner or want to start go to your local skate shop to get advice on your first set-up. Don’t forget experienced skaters are always happy to pass on their knowledge.”

Skateboarding is often a popular sport, and many projects funded by Active Sussex’s Children and Young People Fund and Sport England’s Opening School Facilities Fund have included skateboarding.

This includes skateboarding in Littlehampton and skating in Chichester with coaching from South Coast Skate Club.

To find out where your nearest skate park is located, visit https://www.skateparks.co.uk/park-finder/