Meet Amanda: Rolling with the Man Dem organiser

Amanda is the director of Ebony I.N.K CIC, a local Community Interest Company, which delivers the ‘Rolling with the Man Dem’ project, teaching young men to roller skate and providing a place for them to gather to learn new skills and improve confidence. 

With support from the council’s Make It Happen grant programme, Ebony I.N.K helps a range of grassroots cultural projects come to life through the dedication and passion of the community. 

Together, we’re creating opportunities for people to live the life they choose and celebrate culture as a powerful force for connection, wellbeing, and local prosperity.  

The Director of Ebony I.N.K CIC, Amanda Henry tells us about the programme and how it’s bringing people together:  

"Ebony I.N.K CIC is a social enterprise, with three pillars which help us develop the community. These are enterprise, health and sport. Our creative health initiatives and sporting projects foster a culture of collective empowerment with the young people we work with. 

“The young men who join us for Rolling with the Man Dem come to learn skills and meet new skaters, but there’s lots they can learn with us alongside developing their roller-skating techniques and skills.  

“It’s a time each week for them to come together as a collective. It’s so important to see this community growing, new bonds and friendships forming. We’ve seen them from their first workshops, loving what they’ve learnt and the welcoming environment here, to come back each week to build it with us. 

“It definitely has a positive impact on their mental health too, as an open and friendly space for them to feel safe, but also where they can meet other skaters and create really lasting friendships.’’ 

Culture shapes every corner of our borough, connecting communities and driving wellbeing and prosperity. We’re empowering grassroots creativity through initiatives like our Fellowship Fund and Make it Happen grants, and by partnering with organisations like Walthamstow Wetlands and Soho Theatre, together we’re delivering economic impact through iconic venues, using culture as a catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive Waltham Forest.  

As a borough, we are facing big challenges, from rising costs and funding pressures to inequality.  By working together, we are making a difference to the things we know matter to residents.  

There are so many ways to get involved locally, if you are looking to give back or need support yourself, you can join in with an initiative or project or access the wide range of help available.   

We know there are so many people contributing to the borough, and we’d love you to share your story of local people or groups doing amazing work in your neighbourhood so we can celebrate them.