Ruairidh Farquharson - The Wave Project

The Original Project started in Cornwall and has now spread throughout Britain.  The aim is to help children with mental problems through surfing. Problems could be the result of autism, physical disability or the responsibility associated with being a young carer. It is done through referrals from GPs, school or social services.

Children surf with a trained mentor for 6 weeks with one session per week. You might well have seen them at the beach. They might then join the surf club and at 14 might be asked to become volunteer mentors themselves.

Why surf? With a one- to -one mentorship in a new environment they are encouraged to take risks in a new space and work towards becoming part of the community.

It is not a small undertaking with 1 in 6 children deemed to have mental problems. In fact, there about 64 cases referred each year. The aim is to provide therapy that doesn’t feel like therapy. The young people the Wave Project work with, end with higher self-esteem, reduced anxiety, have better friendships and can look forward to a more positive future.

For further information see https://www.waveproject.co.uk/st-andrews/