The Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre is holding weekly skate workshops for girls this term, as part of a project to motivate teenage girls to increase their physical activity.
The project is one of ten youth grants funded by Northern NSW Local Health District to support healthy lifestyles for young people.
The NNSWLHD Health Promotion manager, Jillian Adams says research shows that physical activity levels drop off in teen years, and the drop in activity is twice as big for girls as for boys.
“The youth grants were awarded to innovative projects co-designed by young people, and it is great to see these workshops that challenge the idea that skate parks are just for boys.
The Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre has brought Truckstop Sk8 from Ballina to run the weekly workshops. They are designed to give girls the skills and confidence to join the action at the skate park.
Youth Outreach worker Jess Riky says the benefits go beyond skating.
“The workshops build self-confidence and social skills, and have a positive effect on the girls’ mental health and physical activity,” Ms Riky said.
“The project will enable young women to stand stronger within their own communities and provide an opportunity to link in with mainstream ongoing activities.”