Surf charity given £30k for 'transformative' work

The charity said it supported just over 2,000 children and young people in 2022

A charity providing surf therapy to children and young people has been given £30,000 by another charity to help with its “transformative” work.

The Wave Project said it was "on a mission" to reverse some young people’s mental health issues and anxiety by teaching them to surf and building up their confidence.

It works with them on the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Cornwall and Scotland.

Wooden Spoon, a children’s rugby charity, said it gave The Wave Project the money because of its “proven track record of profoundly impacting” lives.

Ramon Van de Velde, The Wave Project’s chief executive, said: "We are incredibly grateful for Wooden Spoon's generous support and belief in the transformative power of surf therapy.

“Time and again, we witness our interventions' profound impact on children and young people - replacing anxiety with accomplishment, insecurity with confidence and new-found resilience."

The Wave Project said in a report that it supported just over 2,000 children and young people in 2022 and that 1,778 trained volunteers helped it with its work.

Barry Monahan, Wooden Spoon's chief operating officer, said: "Mental health challenges among young people are a growing concern, and we believe that surf therapy offers a creative and effective way to address these issues.

“By supporting The Wave Project, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of many young individuals in communities up and down the country."