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5th June 2019
Categories: Visitor News
We all know that Devon’s coastlines are incredible, not only for the views, but also for water sports, but did you know that those coastlines are being used to help young people with mental health problems?
The idea of using surfing and other water sports to help with the management of mental health conditions is the brainchild of The Wave Project, which has been running for several years in the south west. It is the world’s first surf therapy course, which uses water sports and surfing to help young people with a variety of mental health issues, from anxiety to schizophrenia, connect with the outside world, other people and each other. The courses have proven to reduce anxiety, boost positivity and raise confidence. The group also work with partner organisations to run beach school projects to help children feel more engaged with education, among other well-being projects.
In order to bring this service to the public, the Wave Project team up with organisations around the UK, one of which, based in south Devon is Reach Outdoors, an adventure activity organisation that is passionate about using the beautiful Devon landscape in their workshops.
Based in Paignton, Reach Outdoors offer a range of adventure activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, climbing, caving and more! With their passion for the coasts and their keen interest in connecting people with the outside, teaming up with the Wave Project is a natural fit. They have been working together for over a year now and Reach Outdoors offer six week courses through the Wave Project throughout the year from their base in Goodrington Sands.
The courses that are run at Reach Outdoors have had rave reviews from the family members of participants. On their blog, they talk about a young man called Josh, who took part in one of their six week courses, his grandmother was amazed by the change in him.
She is quoted as saying: "Before Josh started the Wave Project, he was extremely anxious, isolated, depressed had no friends and no hope, the minute he got in the water with Katie and team, he was beaming, a genuine smile. I stood watching him (with tears in my eyes) having fun and interacting with everyone, he didn’t stop talking about it all the way home and was excited for his next session. Josh, is so much more relaxed, calmer and has made friends, and is so much happier, which shows at home and school, he has now joined the surf club. I can’t thank you all enough."
The work the Wave Project does can only run with the help of funding and volunteers who give up their time to offer these young people support. You can help by donating to their cause via the Wave Project’s website or by buying art from a local artist that donates their proceeds to the project.
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company
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