Rolling Forward – Youth Skating for Forest Gate
From "People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland"
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Proposed budget
GBP 10,000
Description
Project Description:
Rolling Forward is a youth-led roller skating project based at Forest Gate Youth Zone. We want to transform this centre into a safe, inspiring hub for young people through the power of roller skating. Our aim is to provide a positive alternative to the streets by offering structured, supervised sessions where young people can learn, practise, and develop as skaters—whether they are complete beginners or already experienced.
In Forest Gate, too many young people say they have “nothing to do” locally. This leaves them at risk of boredom, isolation, or worse—falling into unsafe activities or anti-social behaviour. At the same time, families often struggle to find affordable opportunities that keep children active, healthy, and motivated. Rolling Forward is designed to meet these needs directly.
With funding, we will purchase professional-quality roller skates, helmets, and pads, and hire a trained facilitator who can safely guide both beginners and advanced skaters. Alongside weekly sessions, young leaders (all under 18) will take responsibility for mentoring, organising, promotion, and supporting their peers. This ensures the project is not only youth-focused, but youth-led—giving young people ownership, leadership experience, and pride in their community.
The key features of our project include:
- Weekly roller skating sessions for all levels, running from March 2026 to February 2027.
- Youth leadership roles in finance, mentoring, planning, and promotion, developing skills for the future.
- Safe, structured activity at Forest Gate Youth Zone, reducing risks of street crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Wellbeing support through active, creative expression that helps reduce stress and improve confidence.
- Community showcase event in February 2027, celebrating young people’s progress and bringing families together.
The impacts will be long-lasting:
- At least 60–80 young people directly engaged, with wider benefits reaching parents, siblings, and residents.
- Improved physical fitness and mental wellbeing for participants.
- Stronger sense of pride and ownership among young people, who will see themselves as part of the solution.
- Safer, more positive use of Forest Gate Youth Zone and surrounding public spaces.
By supporting Rolling Forward, you are supporting our young people, our safety, and our future. This project is not just about skating—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and making Forest Gate a healthier, safer, and more vibrant place to live.
Comments(9)
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Profile of Catherine Stack
Posted by:Catherine Stack
9 months ago
I’d like to know what space you’re planning to use as your outdoor area is quite small.
Profile of Madison Hambrook
Posted by:Madison Hambrook
9 months ago
@Catherine Stack hello it will be in Forest Gate Youth Centre, please visit the centre to see the space in person
Profile of Jay Smith
Posted by:Jay Smith
10 months ago
Hello. I couldn’t get to the voting event yesterday so I’m asking the same questions what I’d ask in person as I want to know what I will actually get for my vote? Can see youve given some details but would still like a rough breakdown.
Profile of Jay Smith
Posted by:Jay Smith
9 months ago
@Jay Smith Hello I would like an answer please, the council told me you have to answer these questions as part of your community engagement. Also you seem to have 2 projects which I didnt think was allowed.
Profile of Madison Hambrook
Posted by:Madison Hambrook
9 months ago
@Jay Smith Thank you for your message — and thank you for raising this. We are happy to clarify.
**We do not have two projects.**
There are **three separate youth-led projects** from **different young people**, each with **its own application, its own lead person, and its own contact details**, which can be confirmed directly with the funder. The reason they appear on the same page is because we **share the same youth centre and social platforms**, so we helped each other to **upload and promote** the projects to make sure no one missed the deadline.
Our group simply **supports one another**, but **each project is independent**.
To confirm:
* **One youth-led project per lead applicant** has been followed correctly.
* Each project has **different leaders, different ideas, and different delivery plans**.
* We have **already communicated this to the council** and there is no conflict or rule being broken.
**Regarding your questions:**
Yes — we are responding to all community engagement questions, and we are happy to keep the conversation open. Your participation helps shape how the project meets local needs.
If you have any additional concerns or would like more detail about *our* specific project activities, — we are very happy to explain further, or visit the Forest Gate Youth Centre to meet the Youth Leaders that you couldnt meet last week, and ask in person if that helps, we are open Tuesday to Friday 3:30-7pm
Thank you again for engaging — your voice genuinely matters in this process.
Profile of Jay Smith
Posted by:Jay Smith
9 months ago
@Madison Hambrook Thank you for answering in all this detail, it really helps, and for clarifying about the other projects. Is Rolling Forward a charity or company or some other type of group?
I also like the sound of this project. I do have some follow up questions though I can’t make the times you mentioned.
Where will the community showcase take place? Can you give a rough breakdown of figures? Not a line by line but rough totals for regular venue costs vs showcase costs vs staff costs vs materials costs vs overheads vs project management costs, so just 6 rough figures.
Profile of Madison Hambrook
Posted by:Madison Hambrook
9 months ago
@Jay Smith Thank you Jay for your questions, we really appreciate you taking the time to look closely at Rolling Forward.
**Type of Group:**
Rolling Forward is a **youth-led community project**, supported by trained youth workers at Forest Gate Youth Zone. We are not a registered company or charity – the project is delivered through the youth centre’s safeguarding, financial oversight and organisational structure. This ensures everything is fully accountable, insured, and professionally managed, while still staying youth-led in design and delivery.
**Community Showcase Location:**
The showcase will take place at **Forest Gate Youth Zone**, making it fully accessible, familiar and safe for the young people who participate. This also keeps event costs low so more of the funding directly benefits young people.
**Rough Budget Breakdown (Based on £10,000 request):
| Category | Rough Total | What this Covers |
| --------------- | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Venue Costs** | **£0** | The youth centre is providing the space free of |
Profile of Madison Hambrook
Posted by:Madison Hambrook
9 months ago
@Jay Smith Thank you for your message and for wanting to understand what your vote would support — that’s a very important and fair question. Here is a clear breakdown of what Rolling Forward will provide if funded:
What the community will get:
Weekly roller skating sessions for young people in Forest Gate and Maryland
A safe indoor space to skate, socialise and build confidence
Support from youth leaders and trained staff to keep sessions safe and welcoming
Sessions designed to support mental health, emotional wellbeing and confidence-building, especially for young people who feel isolated or unsafe outdoors
Opportunities for young people to learn new skills, make friends, and take leadership roles in the project
Rough Breakdown of Funding (£10,000 Request):
Category Rough Amount What it covers
Facilitator / Staff Support £4,500 Professional skating instruction, youth worker supervision, session planning and delivery
Equipment & Safety Gear £1,500 Roller skates, helmets, pads, maintenance and replacements
Venue Use / Session Space £0 Venue provided free at Forest Gate Youth Zone to maximise funding impact
Community Showcase Event £1,500 End-of-year celebration, performances, parent/community involvement
Workshops & Wellbeing Activities £1,000 Confidence-building sessions, mentoring, creativity and peer support
Promotion & Printing £500 Flyers, posters, awareness to reach young people who need it most
What your vote supports:
A safe, positive space for young people to belong, stay active, build confidence and stay off the streets.
We hope this helps — and we truly appreciate you asking before deciding.
Profile of Yusaf Rayworth
Posted by:Yusaf Rayworth
10 months ago
I think this is a great thing for the youth as skating gets young people out and helps mental health