The UK’s leading surf therapy charity The Wave Project and surfing brand Saltrock will be hosting a free talk this week at The Kirk Building, Portrush, all about surf therapy and the ground-breaking work that The Wave Project is leading to address increasing rates of mental health issues among children in the UK.
According to recent data from the NHS, young people are struggling in the UK - one in six children under 18 have reported a mental health issue.
A national lockdown in 2020/21 and the recent cost of living crisis has only increased the number of mental health issues and referrals, in particular spikes in anxiety and depression.
The Wave Project aims to change this, and for the last thirteen years has been running pioneering surf therapy programs across the UK to help children and young people struggling with anxiety and depression.
This unique NHS-recognised therapy combines the therapeutic elements of the ocean, the adventure of surfing and supportive culture of acceptance to help:
Reduce anxiety and depression.
Build trust and friendships.
Build higher self-esteem.
Provide a pathway to a positive future.
The Wave Project Talks Tour
For the first time ever, The Wave Project and Saltrock are bringing surf therapy to communities across the UK in a series of talks from the Founder and CEO, Joe Taylor. Joe will talk about the role The Wave Project has played in the mental and emotional health of young people over the last thirteen years, what surf therapy is, and their plans to grow over the next four years.
Joe Taylor, Founder of The Wave Project, said:
“Surf Therapy has grown from a pilot scheme in Cornwall into a global phenomenon. At The Wave Project, we are now thinking about how this amazing form of therapy can be developed further to reach more young people across the UK.
"The Talks are an opportunity to discuss these ideas with people who may benefit from surf therapy themselves, or are interested in getting more involved. We are super grateful to Saltrock for supporting these Talks and helping us to broaden understanding of surf therapy.”
Kate Ross-Smith, Marketing Manager, Saltrock, said:
“The Wave Project Talks is a great way of getting the surf therapy message out to the wider public and into communities who need their support. The statistics behind young people’s mental health are frightening and these are the reported ones. I think we all know someone first-hand who is or has struggled with their mental health. The Wave Project is tackling this head on with surf therapeutic support, giving young people a chance to be themselves and in some cases transform themselves, and have better lives.
"We hope these Talks will mean more funding, more volunteers and more people talking about The Wave Project.”
The Talks kicked-off on the 19th April at the headquarters of Saltrock, Braunton, North Devon and will finish this week on Thursday 8 May at The Kirk Building, Portrush.