My name is James, I come from lancing, now live in Worthing. Both me and my sons are regular and passionate skateboarders, who know a lot of the local community. I have skateboarding for 30 years, and am incredibly passionate about how positive the activity, community and benefits are for young people.   I am looking at starting a community interest company, which will essentially be an indoor skatepark (to complement our great outdoor facilities) and with a focus on mental and physical well being. I have a 20 year background in mental health nursing, and currently manage the inpatient unit in Worthing.    I also have ideas of using the space for alternative wellbeing activities at times that the park is not being used, such as yoga, mindfulness, arts and crafts, as well as becoming a positive community resource where young people (and adults) can have a safe space to skate, create......and feel great. There is so much more to say on this, but am limited to the word count here :)  

What we'll deliver:

• A valuable community resourse for people from diverse backgrounds
• work in conjunction with the councils/schools/health services to provide a community hub that is a much needed resource
• to encourage positive social interactions, and coaching to people in the local community
• To allow young people to engage in fun activities, and to be able to do this in a safe environment
• to have a non judgmental approach, to reduce stigma, and to openly talk about mental health and wellbeing

Why it's a great idea:

There is no indoor facility in the worthing area. The closest being bognor, hastings, brighton or surrey/london. This idea is great because it will provide a facility not dependent on weather, and a facility that is safe and encourages people to be kind and supportive towards each other. The idea will focus on skateboarding/scooting/bmx riders. We aim to not exclude, and to involve as many of the local community as possible. We want to run a not for profit organisation and to put money back into the park, and local community. In three short days we have an overwhelming amount of public support. I have been out talking to people at public skateparks, and have an online petition with 400 + (and growing) signatures. I would love to have the opportunity to get this up and running and am currently looking at venues/facilities. I know i have the passion, drive, motivation and enthusiasm to make this work.

Steps to get it done:

• securing a location
• to gain funding from different sources and be able to open.
• after 2 years to be able to demonstrate the positive impact on local communities

I would welcome the opportunity to share my ideas in person, as i feel that this is a better medium of conveying all my ideas, and the planning and research i have been doing so far. We have backing to apply for funding from sport england, and have also been in touch with various other agencies, including community works, who i am meeting with next week. I have also heard from elctric storm youth in lancing who like the idea so far. And already have the offer of support from some local businesses. I am also in liaison with the church of england with regards one of their empty buildings. I will know more about this in the next few days. Any support, comments, ideas or thoughts are warmly received. James