Having a Chat with Skate Buddies

Roller skating has seen a huge growth in popularity over the past few years, in what can only be described as a resurgence in the activity. There’s something about gliding along on eight wheels that helps release those happy brain chemicals. So much so, that thousands of people have started roller skating to help with mental health and wellbeing. Here at SkateHut, we’ve certainly seen some fantastic groups and communities pull together, promoting skating as a way to socialise and stay active, with the ultimate goal of making the world a little brighter.

One such group is Skate Buddies, created by Empress Gibbs and her team, following the pandemic and located at the MAC in Canon Hill Park, Birmingham. We had the pleasure of inviting Empress into SkateHut HQ to understand more about her mission and what the future holds for Skate Buddies. We talk about the importance of mental health, how Skate Buddies started, how people can take part and you can watch this video below…

“I used to go up to Canon Hill Park and that’s where I came across Skate Brum and I started to skate and from the moment I work up to when I went to sleep, I was skating. So I found the true freeness and understanding of how skating can help with mental health, wellbeing and fitness in that time”, Empress tells us.

You can find out more about Skate Buddies on their website and also help them raise funds for equipment and events with their GoFundMe page. So if you’re thinking about getting into skating, want to meet new friends, stay active and fit all with the added benefit of boosting your mental wellbeing, all are welcome to join. They also have branches groups nationwide including, Cardiff, London, Nottingham and Leicester, so if you’re in these areas, get in touch!

We love the vibrant and friendly communities we encounter and feel privileged to work with these awesome people. For some, getting started with something new can take a big leap, but that’s why Skate Buddies are here to help. They want to make skating a safe and fun environment for beginners and experienced skaters alike. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of Skate Buddies and all the amazing work Empress and her team do.

If you’re looking to get started in roller skating or just after something new and shiny, don’t forget to check out our range of quad skates, inline skates, skating accessories and more. Customise your look and hit the jam with style and confidence.