Half-pipe dream: Imerys British Lithium and TR7 skatepark to help young people to get into skateboarding
Roche-based TR7 Skatepark and Imerys British Lithium have just launched a programme to help local young people get into skateboarding this autumn.
Imerys British Lithium has donated £5,000 from its community fund to this local CIC, enabling 22 young people from the china clay villages to access the indoor skate facilities at Victoria Business Park in Roche.
TR7 and the Imerys British Lithium team will work with local schools to identify young people who would benefit from this opportunity. Each participant will be enrolled in a mentorship programme and receive:
- A pack of five one-to-one skateboarding lessons with a TR7 coach and upon completion, a TR7 stamp card – valued at £50 – offering free access to five open skate sessions for further independent practice
- A complete equipment kit provided by Enuff Skateboards and Rekd Protection, including; a skateboard, helmet, and pads
The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and support young people in building skills, confidence, and positive routines through skateboarding in a safe, welcoming space.
Martina Biquard, co-founder of TR7 Skatepark, said:
“This funding will have a real and lasting impact. Many young people in this area face barriers to accessing activities like skateboarding. By removing the cost of coaching, equipment and access, we can offer a pathway to improved confidence, routine, and mental wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Imerys British Lithium for recognising the value of this work and helping us remove the barriers that many local families face.”
Edwin Berends, project director for Imerys British Lithium, added:
“The team at TR7 does an incredible job of coaching and developing young people, so we wanted to support this work and enable the team to reach out to more local kids who would not otherwise be able to benefit.
“We hope we can continue this work every year, and then have a real impact on the local area. We plan to offer some extra help in the way of visits to our lithium plant and mine site, maybe even work experience and career guidance for the group.”
Any local groups interested in collaborating with Imerys British Lithium, or educators wishing to nominate students should contact us.