Meet Oba

What are your interests and hobbies?
Playing computer games, going to the gym, socialising, going out for walks, self-reflection and thinking.

How long have you been coming to Lift?
Six years, since I was 13. There was a lealfet given out in my English class - so I decided to come along with a friend.

What do you do at Lift?
Boxing, kickboxing, gym, parkour, spoken word and podcasting. Lots of workshops - things like sexual health and relationships and mindfulness and police engagement.

How has Lift helped you?
It is been quite the journey. I have become more sociable. I have learnt to protect myself through martial arts and discipline. Being here has got me fit. I always wanted to go to a gym but when I was younger there was nowhere to go and then I discovered Lift - and it was free! Also the mentoring, I am now not afraid to open myself to new things.

What is the most important thing you have learnt at Lift?
Opportunities are always around you so if you open yourself to the possibilities you will find them. And go to a place where you can look up to people as role models.

What is the most fun you have ever had?
So much stuff - I loved parkour - doing my first backflip on my own was so much fun.

What would you say to a young person that has never been here before?
If you are truly looking for a place to belong - Lift is the one!

What do you hope to be doing in three years’ time?
I am hoping to be a game developer and am now at the University of Westminster studing for this.

How is Lift helping you get there?
Doing career-based workshops. One was called Thriving Young Men - a life coaching programme. We talked about ways of developing careers, making money and goal setting for the future.