Founded by current chief executive Jayden Sheridan, Gnarly Neighbours is Australia’s first skateboard-based social enterprise, offering free skateboarding lessons, mentoring, creative workshops and employment pathways for young people, particularly those in regional and low socio-economic communities.
Its social enterprise cafe and skate hub The Neighbourhood, which opened in 2024, now serves as a community anchor in Seymour.
“In towns like ours, the cracks are wider,” Jayden said.
“We don’t want to wait until young people are in crisis.
“We want to create spaces that catch them early, remind them of their worth, and build something they can belong to.”
Making strides, Gnarly Neighbours is geared up to launch a bold new initiative, The Gnarly 90.
On Monday, August 11, the 90-day national campaign will kick off, set to raise awareness and funding for youth mental health.
Australians are invited to take part in group challenges, create their own Gnarly 90 or petition their interest to have Gnarly prevention programs in backyards across the country.
The Gnarly 90 is a reminder that small, consistent actions can drive big change.
As part of the campaign, Jayden will be pushing himself out of his comfort zone for 90 days, with his journey to be captured in a documentary series titled Jog the Memory, which will shine a light on the power of prevention and what it really means to lead with purpose.
The Gnarly 90 campaign calls on schools, workplaces and individuals across Australia to take part, and funds raised will go towards expanding programs, opening new neighbourhood hubs and building a national youth-led prevention network.
To celebrate in the town where it all began, Jayden and the team are inviting Seymour to The Prince, at 48 Emily St, on Friday, August 1 for an exciting launch event and special viewing of a launch video, starting at 5pm.
“This isn’t just the start of a campaign. It’s a moment for our community to come together and celebrate Gnarly change from the ground up,” Jayden said.
“We’re launching The Gnarly 90 right here in Seymour because this is where the movement was born, and it’s proof that small towns can spark big action.
“Our launch event on August 1 is about connection, courage and showing up for young people and their mental health.”
For more information, contact Jessica Ware on 0419 164 228 or at jessica@gnarlyneighbours.com.au
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