The Wave Project

🌊 “I had a phobia of water. I couldn’t stand it on my skin. I ran away and locked myself in the car.” But something – perhaps the sense that there was “no pressure” – brought her back. “When I went up on my first wave, I felt free for the first time in my life.” This liberation turned her life around. “I went back into education. Surfing gave me confidence.” – Charlotte Banfield We are so proud to see Charlotte’s incredible journey featured in The Guardian . From battling bullies and mental health struggles to becoming a gold medal-winning para surf champion, her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of #SurfTherapy. At The Wave Project, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to feel the freedom and confidence that comes from the water. Charlotte’s success is a testament to the impact of our programmes, helping young people build confidence and overcome challenges. Read the full article: https://loom.ly/9UmXrw8 #SurfTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #Surfing #TheWaveProject

🌊 Kyle joined us six years ago and has been lighting up every Surf Club session since! Kyle, who has autism and learning disabilities, started out sitting on his surfboard, simply enjoying the feel of the waves. But with gentle encouragement from our incredible volunteers and coaching from Gwithian Academy of Surfing, he discovered his love for surfing. Six years on and his joy is contagious, lifting up everyone in the group! This #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek, we’re celebrating Kyle’s journey, his resilience and the stoke he brings to every session! 🏄♂️ #SurfTherapy #Neurodiversity #Cornwall #Surfing

🌊 Do good, feel Good Friday - join us for a powerful evening of breathwork, yoga and a sunset swim in the heart of Newquay! The details: 📅 18th April 🕔 5pm - 7.30 pm 📍 The Wave Project Shop & Towan Beach 💙 Led by Both Sides Retreats All proceeds from the event will go directly towards funding a special retreat for a group of young males who have been through our #SurfTherapy programmes and are now supporting more young people by volunteering. Reserve your spot today for £38 - limited spaces available: https://loom.ly/SFakuac #Newquayevents #Cornwallevents #Newquay #MentalHealthMatters #GoodFriday

🌊 We are looking for a Seasonal Retail Assistant to join our team in #Newquay! Working two days a week from April to November, you will help customers, support volunteers and keep our shop running smoothly - including opening and closing the store and managing online orders. Plus, you’ll get to work in our newly refurbished space, packed with pre-loved wetsuits and good vibes! If you are passionate about sustainability, surf culture and making a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply now 👉 https://loom.ly/j_gQxpg #RetailJobs #Cornwalljobs #newquayjobs #surftherapy

💙 So proud of our wonderful Tina Beresford for representing The Wave Project. And a huge thank you to THE PIG Hotel | B Corp for your continued support!

🌊 Alfie and Kyle make the ultimate Surf Club duo! The two have been coming to Surf Club in #WestCornwall for years, growing in confidence, independence and skill with every session. At first, group activities were tough for Alfie, who has autism and global developmental delay. Meanwhile, Kyle, who also has autism and learning disabilities, was happiest just floating on his board. While both boys faced their own challenges, they found a sense of comfort and connection in each other’s presence. Over the years, their friendship bloomed and now they are catching waves side by side, exchanging high fives and soaking up the support and cheers from their fellow surfers and volunteers. This #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek, we are celebrating the power of friendship and #BlueSpaces where every young person can thrive 💙 Want to help more young people build confidence and connection through surfing? Set up a regular donation today 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekTKBERa #SurfTherapy #Neurodiversity

💙 "The change has been incredible. He no longer struggles with his emotions as much as he did before The Wave Project." - Surf Therapy parent at The Wave Project Scotland. Help us make incredible changes and donate today. Big or small, any amount you give can make a powerful impact on the lives of young people around the UK. Click on the link below to donate now. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekTKBERa

🏄♀️ "Going surfing with The Wave Project makes me feel free!" There's nothing quite like the freedom of the ocean. #SurfTherapy at The Wave Project uses our #BlueSpaces as a powerful setting in which to support children and young people around the UK. Our young surfer's mum explains more: "The Wave Project definitely helped her mental health and always gives her an emotional outlet without barriers or judgement." Visit our website to find out how you can support more children through Surf Therapy at The Wave Project. 👇 https://lnkd.in/ej2uyU_e

Kind Surf in Valencia, Spain! What an amazing day filled with special people. The wonderful Laureus Sport for Good organised a superb Surf Therapy event, supported and made possible (through the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign) by the British Embassy Madrid. The British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Sir Alex Ellis didn’t just turn up but really jumped in and fully engaged - he has real connection with the work that charities like Kind Surf and The Wave Project do and it showed. València had terrible floods in October last year where over 200 people drowned. This had also impacted on the local Surf Therapy charity and the children and young people they support. Laureus and the British Embassy Madrid wanted to show their support, and were kind enough to also invite The Wave Project to this. The amazing and generous Victoria Pendleton, who is both a Laureus Sport For Good Ambassador and The Wave Project Patron, also made the trip to show support. It was so special to connect with her and to see her passion for improving mental health, especially in children and young people, through sport and community. I am so grateful for Victoria’s continued support for our charity. 🙏 We were all in the water with just the most special group of Kind Surf volunteers, led by Almudena Fernandez. So many similarities with what we do, and you can see the power of partnerships and collaboration, and organisations like International Surf Therapy Organization 501(c)3. I loved my time in Spain, and am more determined than ever to do all I can to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people through Surf Therapy and the healing powers of the ocean. The world is in turmoil, and spending time with this group of people reminds you how much hope there is, and how positivity, encouragement, following the child, surfing and community building really does help to make a better future. For the children, and of course also for ourselves. ❤️🌊🏄

💙 “Our son always comes back from The Wave Project upbeat and excited about the day. He has been having a hard time recently - very anxious and down. We really feel that The Wave Project has been an important part of getting back to a better place.” - #SurfTherapy parent From urban blue spaces to coastal waves, our London project is transforming lives through Surf Therapy! The first three weeks of our Surf Therapy courses are delivered at a lake in outer London, where young people new to swimming can build confidence. The group then heads to Brighton to experience the sea and the thrill of surfing. In 2024, our city-to-sea surfers experienced a 16% increase in their ability to bounce back from challenges, an 11% boost in confidence and resilience. The real magic happens between the waves, where they find new strengths and become part of our wonderful community! Huge thanks to dryrobe Ltd for helping make this possible and championing the importance of blue spaces for mental and physical wellbeing - find out more: https://lnkd.in/eVPcyZA4 #TheWaveProject #dryrobe #dryrobeterritory⁠ #MentalHealthMatters