Kathryn Shuttleworth
Board Advisor | Director
Chief Executive at The Parently Group | David Luke Ltd.
Born from skateboarding.
The story
The Coping started in 2019, after the death of professional skater Ben Raemers. It began as a festival to bring the skate community together and raise money for his foundation. It grew into something bigger: a community interest company that creates in-person experiences for collective wellbeing, and creative work for the businesses who want to be part of it.
What we stand for
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DIY.
Make it yourself. Make it with friends.
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Life’s a playground.
Play, try things, fall over.
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Artform and technical skill.
Both matter. Balance them.
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Fearless.
Drop in anyway.
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Question the norm.
Just because it’s how it’s done doesn’t make it right.
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No ego.
You’re only ever competing with yourself.
Why “The Coping”
Coping is a skateboarding word. It’s the edge at the top of a ramp, the line you grind along before you drop in. It’s also what we all do when life shifts, and right now a lot is shifting, from how we connect to how we create, including what AI is bringing. We don’t have all the answers. We’d rather find our feet together.
The people
Wil Hesketh
Founder & Creative Lead · The Coping CIC
Skater, creative strategist, and community organiser based in Greater Manchester. Founded The Coping in 2019 to unite skateboarding, brand creativity, and collective wellbeing after the loss of Ben Raemers and his sister Molly. [Final founder bio copy to be confirmed]
Book an intro call with WilAdvisory board
Dr. Sally Penni MBE
Board Advisor
Practising Barrister at Law, TEDx Speaker, Bencher at Gray’s Inn, author of 16 books, Non-Executive Director, and host of the Talking Law podcast.
Ben Moss
Board Advisor | Director
Senior Research Leader at RAND Europe & Ambassador for The Working Well Community, enabling evidence-based decisions for wellbeing and organisational leaders.
Nic Owen
Board Advisor
Director at Ulf — striving to be brave and generous.
Nat Hesketh
Board Advisor | Director
Pilates Instructor at Pilates with Nat and Group Fitness Manager at Waterside Leisure Club.
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