About us

Skate Buddies UK CIC is a non-for-profit organisation created by skaters for skaters and the wider community. We formed our group for children, young people, adults and families that are on their journey of repairing, maintaining or improving their mental health, wellbeing and fitness through the introduction of roller skating, arts and performance. Skate Buddies enables individuals a soft introduction into the local skating community through events, taster session and classes. Starting a new hobby and new sport can be daunting, Skate Buddies are here to help individuals to reduce their fear and build confidence. 

 

Skate Buddies Community Team Members and volunteers create welcoming, safe, open spaces that foster warm, patient, caring and fun standards and values to help, support and encourage the start of a journey in a safe and encouraging environment. We cultivate environments of growth, empowerment, encouragement, and compassion, because without it we can not embody authenticity of self. 

Skate Buddies is a safe space for individuals to stand in their power, create a new narrative of who they are and how they see themselves. 

Skate Buddies in collaboration with Bertz Associates on BBC West Midlands Today interviewed by Joan. September 12th 2023

 

Our Mission 

 

Skate Buddies mission is to bring communities together through the vehicle of roller skating. We want to get the nation skating and support children, young people, adults and families to improve their mental, physical, and emotional health. Roller skating is great for mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing and a gateway to other creative activities and art forms that encourage the healing process and aid the individual with healing and discovery of self.

 

We aim to get 1000 new skaters on their feet supporting them to improve their mental health, wellbeing and fitness through skating, creativity and performance. Enabling and empowering them into a new place and direction for their lives and health. 

Bertz Associates and Skate Buddies collaboration. Pictured is the Skate Buddies, the skate community and David Springer at The MAC Big Green Weekender. T-shirt design workshops September 16th 2023

Our Values: U.N.I.T.Y

UNITED: We embrace the power of unity, working together with local, regional, and national skate groups, communities, statutory and voluntary organisations, and services. Our commitment to collaboration and mutual respect builds a strong foundation for future generations, harnessing collective skills, talents, and resources.

NURTURE: We focus on nurturing the needs of the soul, for ourselves and our community members. By fostering an environment of empowerment, we enable individuals and the community to grow, flourish, and build relationships grounded in purpose and trust.

INTEGRITY: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, consistently acting with moral clarity and purpose. Our commitment to creating safe spaces ensures that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, free from judgment, criticism, or demonisation.

TEAMWORK: We believe that teamwork is essential for personal and collective growth. Every member's unique contributions are valued, recognising that our combined efforts create a stronger, more vibrant community.

YOU: We prioritise the individual journey of healing and self-discovery. Through the power of roller skating and creative expression, Skate Buddies is dedicated to supporting each person in their path towards improved mental, physical, and emotional well-being and fitness.

Our Aims

 

Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing:

  • To improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, adults, and families through the therapeutic benefits of roller skating.
  • To provide a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and resilience.

Encourage Physical Fitness:

  • To promote physical fitness and an active lifestyle through regular roller skating activities, events, and classes.
  • To offer accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals of all fitness levels to engage in roller skating.

Foster Community Engagement:

  • To create a strong sense of community by bringing people together through shared interests and activities.
  • To collaborate with local, regional, and national skate groups, communities, and organizations to build a supportive network.

Provide Safe and Inclusive Spaces:

  • To ensure that all activities and events are conducted in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
  • To respect and celebrate the diversity of our community, making everyone feel valued and included.

Support Personal Development:

  • To offer opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, build confidence, and discover their potential through roller skating.
  • To provide pathways for personal and professional growth, including volunteering and leadership opportunities within the organisation.

Promote Creativity and Expression:

  • To encourage creativity and self-expression through roller skating and related artistic activities.
  • To support individuals in exploring new forms of creative expression as part of their healing and self-discovery journey.

Raise Awareness and Advocacy:

  • To raise awareness about the benefits of roller skating for mental health, physical fitness, and community building.
  • To advocate for the importance of accessible recreational activities in promoting overall health and wellbeing.

These aims reflect Skate Buddies UK CIC's commitment to creating a positive impact on individuals and the broader community through the power of roller skating.

Our Objectives

Measure Impact and Success:

  • Regularly evaluate the impact of our programs on participants' mental, physical, and emotional health.
  • Use feedback and data to refine and improve our offerings, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the community.

 

Accessibility:

  • Ensure that our activities are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with financial or physical barriers.

 

Develop Sustainable Practices:

  • Implement sustainable practices in our operations to ensure the long-term viability of Skate Buddies UK CIC.
  • Seek funding, partnerships, and resources that support the growth and sustainability of our initiatives.

 

Cultivate Environments of Growth:

  • Promote environments of growth, empowerment, encouragement, and compassion.
  • Enable participants to stand in their power, create new narratives for themselves, and envision new directions for their lives.

 

Integrate Holistic Health Approaches:

  • Use roller skating as a gateway to other creative activities and art forms that encourage the healing process and aid in self-discovery.
  • Support holistic health approaches that encompass mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

 

Encourage Creativity and Expression: 

  • Integrate creative arts and self-expression into roller skating activities, allowing participants to explore new forms of creativity.
  • Support the use of artistic endeavours as a means of personal healing and emotional expression.

 

By focusing on these objectives, Skate Buddies UK CIC aims to create a thriving community that supports individuals in their journey towards improved health and wellbeing through the joy and benefits of roller skating.