History of Elevate

Elevate is an exciting and relevant initiative from Christians in Sutton that developed out the Soul in the City (SITC) initiative of 2004. During SITC churches in Sutton put on a week of events at the ramp park in Royston Park which was hugely successful, meeting ramp users on their territory and on their terms.

Out of the success of SITC an organisation called Sutton Ramp Events (SRE) was formed to run Elevate events. A management team was formed, a vision cast and money was raised from various sources including the Local Network Fund given by The Peabody Trust. During the summer of 2005 SRE ran six Elevate events in Royston Park. All of the events were hugely successful attracting up to 300 young people and their families throughout the summer.

After the success of the 2005 events, further funding was secured to run Elevate events in 2006. Held at Royston Park, in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton Parks Department, the events enabled young people to use the ramp park in safety, under the supervision of trained volunteers. The money was also used to develop this website, which the young people have been given the opportunity to use, develop and contribute to.

In 2007 Elevate has continued to provide opportunities for beginners to learn to skate/ride as well as organising competitions for those seeking to impress the judges and win some top quality prizes. The events are held at the new skate park on the St Helier Open Space, which young people attending Elevate helped to design. There are also subsidised coach trips to ramp events and indoor ramp parks to ensure that young people can ride through the winter months too. We have been privileged to receive the support and encouragement of the Mayor of Sutton and the local MP Tom Brake at our events over the past three years.

Sutton Ramp Events intends to continue running Elevate events in 2008 and expand the work that they do in partnership with other community organisations. Part of their vision is to build an indoor skate and youth centre in Sutton where young people can be active and safe at all times of the year. If you would like to find out more about our work, assist with our events or contribute financially to the running of the organisation then please do contact us.