Our History
From two skaters to a community of thousands.
Since February 2022, Empowr has been showing up — in schools, community centres, public spaces, and everywhere people want to move and grow. Here's how we got here.
Our Journey
Key milestones since Empowr launched in February 2022.
February 2022
Empowr launches — the first Skate Jam
Empowr CIC held its very first session in Southeast London: an open Skate Jam. Born from a gap in community spaces for roller skating, this was the proof of concept that started everything.
Read the full story →May 2022
Catbytes CIC donates computers — the ICT room is born
Catbytes CIC donated a full set of computers to Empowr, enabling a community ICT room at Barnes Wallis Community Centre in Newcross — and launching the Kids Coding Club the same month.
Read the full story →June 2022
Jubilee Family Funday — 400+ community members
Empowr co-hosted a free community Funday with The Somerville TRA and Barnes Wallis Community Centre, funded by the Lewisham Tenants Fund. Over 400 people attended, with 11 partner organisations contributing to the day.
Read the full story →June 2022
Street Skate Support Group — 50+ skaters every week
A free 12-week street skating programme launched in public spaces across SE London, run by experienced community volunteers. No cost, no barrier — just skating and community.
Read the full story →January 2023
First school partnership — Ivydale Primary
Empowr launched its first formal school partnership, delivering after-school skating sessions at Ivydale Primary School. A proof point that the EELA methodology translates directly into education settings.
Read the full story →February 2023
One year on — the community celebrates
Empowr marked its first anniversary with a free roller skating event and live DJ. In year one: hundreds of sessions delivered, thousands of participants reached, two school partnerships, and a community ICT room established.
Read the full story →Creative Collaborators & Instructors
Here are the creatives who have collaborated with us to teach their skills and contribute to our mission becoming a reality. They have played a crucial role in bringing our sessions to life, making them engaging and impactful, and we are immensely grateful for their valuable contributions.
Vando
Pop-up Skating Instructor
Tyreece
Pop-up Skating Instructor
Tre
Skating Instructor
Sam
Pop-up Skating Instructor
Marie
Bouldering Instructor
Kurt
Zumba Instructor
Johnny
Pop-up Roller Skating Instructor
Jared
Pop-up Skating Instructor
Jade
Digital Art Instructor
Genisis
Pop-up Skating Instructor
Clara
Hula Hoop Instructor
Alan
Pop-up Ballroom Skating Instructor
In Action
A look back at Empowr programmes and activities across the years.
Bouldering
Hula Hoop Workshop
Kids Digital Art Club
Kids Coding Club
Zumba Fitness
Rubik's Cube Workshop
Organisations We've Worked With
Empowr builds value-based partnerships. These are the organisations that have been part of our story.
Catbytes CIC
Donated computers that enabled Empowr's community ICT room and Kids Coding Club in Newcross.
The Somerville TRA
Co-hosted the Jubilee Family Funday alongside Empowr and Barnes Wallis.
Barnes Wallis Community Centre
Home of Empowr's community ICT room and base for early programmes in Newcross.
Lewisham Tenants Fund
Funded the Jubilee Family Funday, enabling a free community event for 400+ people.
Ivydale Primary School
Empowr's first school partnership — after-school skating sessions delivered on site.
St Winifred's School
School partnership delivering EELA sessions for pupils.
BOST (Bankside Open Spaces Trust)
Community space partner supporting Empowr's outdoor and public programming.
HAF Programme
Government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programme — commissioned Empowr to deliver free holiday sessions for children eligible for free school meals.
Lewisham Young Mayor's Team
Lewisham's youth civic leadership body — partnered with Empowr to engage and serve young people across the borough.
Be part of what comes next.
Support our work, partner with us, or come and skate.