Use skateboarding activities to break mental health stigma and build community connections through three simple group activities that anyone can participate in, regardless of skating experience.
SkateMind originated as part of World Mental Health Day initiatives, using the hashtags #SkateMindWorldMentalHealthDay, #ShredTheStigma, #RollForResilience, and #SkateForMentalHealth.
The project operates on the principle that "the struggles and strengths behind mental health are often invisible," making skateboarding's visual nature perfect for creating awareness.
The three core activities carry deep symbolic meaning: the push represents taking first steps toward mental health support, standing together shows unity against stigma, and being pushed forward demonstrates that it's okay to rely on others for help. Each activity can be adapted for different group sizes and skill levels.
Research shows that community-based mental health initiatives significantly reduce stigma and improve help-seeking behaviour. SkateMind's visual approach makes mental health conversations more accessible, particularly for young people who may struggle with traditional discussion formats.
The project has been designed to work in various settings—parks, schools, community centres—and requires minimal skateboarding experience. The focus is on participation and message-sharing rather than technical skill.
How to get involved
Time:
Planning requires 2-3 hours, the event takes 3-4 hours, with 1-2 hours follow-up for social media sharing.
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