Showcasing the Sport for Development sector - Autumn 2018

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The Surf Therapy Charity
The Wave Project is a charity
aimed at young people who are
at risk of developing mental ill
health. It has a unique approach
to tackling this problem, recruiting
and training hundreds of volunteers
to deliver free surfing lessons for
children who are most at risk. Working in small groups, surf mentors provide encouragement
and a listening ear which helps to break down the social barriers that can leave
young people feeling isolated and anxious. The aim of the charity is to build a sense of
community amongst the young people, the instructors and the volunteers that it works with
- creating a movement that is changing lives across the UK. The charity is currently operating
in 13 locations and this year is on track to work with over 1000 young people.
@WaveProject
WWW.WAVEPROJECT.CO.UK / 10 /
Isaac started the Wave Project’s six-week course
after being referred following a nine-month period
of home education, which in turn followed a bad
time at school. Isaac explained: “At my very first
session with the Wave Project I was greeted warmly
and felt like part of the group, I wasn’t made to feel
awkward or uncomfortable. The way of teaching
was brilliant; learn one step, put it into practice in
the sea and then come back to the beach for the
next step. Within a few weeks, my surfing had come
on enormously and I had learned new tips from
excellent surf instructors and volunteers. In September,
around halfway through the course, I returned to
school. The Wave Project boosted my confidence
and after completing the course, I joined the surf
club and I absolutely love going to it on Saturdays.
I got to meet new people who share the passion
with me, and I have made friendships along the
way, which is a big thing for me, as I never had
friends in school and was a target for bullying.
Seven months after I first joined the Wave Project, I
was given the opportunity to volunteer and went on
the training day, along with others my age. Despite
the horrendous weather, we loved it! Nine months
down the line, I am volunteering for this incredible
charity and I am absolutely loving it. I love to share
and teach my passion with the new kids, - some I
can relate to when I look back at myself last year.
Twelve months ago, I was a different person. The
Wave Project has transformed me into someone
new. I urge anyone who is given the opportunity to
go for it!”