Surf therapy sessions increase confidence and responsibility in young people

In 2023, The Bude Area FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. supported the Wave Project with a £3,000 grant to go towards delivering their impactful surf therapy sessions.

The Wave Project is a charity whose purpose is to change young lives through surf therapy. With projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. operating in Bude, Polzeath, Newquay, Gwithian and St Ives, they have helped over 14,000 young people improve their mental health and well-being thanks to these sessions.

The surf therapy sessions funded by CCF had measurable improvements in participants’ wellbeing. Pre- and post-evaluation forms showed consistently positive changes across all wellbeing measures. The greatest increases were in responsibility (13.06%) and confidence (12.98%), with 93% of participants saying they had fun and 79% reporting feeling better.

A new app was also introduced to help volunteers sign up for sessions, significantly improving volunteer management. Looking ahead, The Wave Project plans to run two six-week surf therapy courses and is actively seeking further funding.

One participant reflected on the impact: “I felt like I had nothing to worry about during the sessions and that was a massive escape from my day-to-day life.” The experience gave him confidence and a lasting sense of achievement.

About the Funder

The Bude Area Fund has supported initiatives that promote young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and practical skill development, making a meaningful impact on local communities.

The projects supported by this funder reflect the fund’s commitment to fostering resilience, inclusivity, and growth in economically disadvantaged areas. By investing in creative and physical pursuits, the fund strengthens community well-being and individual development, demonstrating the lasting impact of donor support.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants: Applying for a grant.

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