Children and young people in the UK are suffering from a mental health crisis. 1 in 5 children suffer with their mental health and teenage suicides have risen by 35% since 2021. The double whammy of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis is catastrophic. The children that come to The Wave Project are presenting significant ill mental health ranging from extreme anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

The Wave Project have an evidence based intervention that is recognised by the NHS, local authorities and psychiatric services to be effective in improving the well-being, outlook, self-esteem and confidence of children and young people. The intervention combines surfing with mentoring and principles of group therapy. Over a course of 6 weeks the children learn to surf, make friends and feel more confident about themselves, enabling them to tackle other problems in their lives confidently.