Skating for change

For years, skateboarding has been celebrated as a subculture grounded in individuality, creativity, and resilience.

It's a sport that requires skill, practice, and dedication, but it’s also one that, like mental health challenges, often faces stigma. Some people misjudge skaters as a disruptive force. Mental distress can also be misunderstood, which can make it hard for people to ask for help when they need it. 

Sean Kearns, a university student studying in Wellington, wanted to change that narrative. A committed skater of 10 years, Sean set out to shine a positive light on the skateboarding community while supporting the Mental Health Foundation’s mission to prevent suicide and uplift wellbeing. In September, he organized a fundraising skate event that raised over $2,400 to support the Foundation’s vital mahi.