A CHARITY that offers surf therapy to young people struggling with mental, physical or emotional wellbeing has released a film to help promote their message.

The Wave Project began on the Island with a pilot scheme in 2015, and since then, has grown significantly.

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Utilising the Island’s outstanding natural beauty as a backdrop for their evidence-based therapy, in 2021, Wave Project supported over 200 of the Island’s young people.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Wave Project supported over 200 of the Island’s young people in 2021.The Wave Project supported over 200 of the Island’s young people in 2021.

Data shows that young people come away from their six-week course at Wave Project with more resilience and feeling more confident, positive and better able to make friends.

Abbie James, IOW Wave Project coordinator, said: “Here on the Isle of Wight, we have worked with over 400 children and 80 volunteer surfmentors – some of whom started as participants themselves.

“The film will help us raise awareness of our charity and further funding to enable us to support as many young people as we can each year.”

Isle of Wight County Press: Young people, like Ben, feel more confident, positive and better able to make friends.Young people, like Ben, feel more confident, positive and better able to make friends.

James Attrill, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, said: "Tackling the mental health crisis amongst young people is an absolute priority.

“I was deeply impressed with how the Wave Project is using the natural environment to improve mental health.

“The Island's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, who helped fund this film, provides a huge opportunity for us all to improve our wellbeing using nature.

“This film, along with two others we have commissioned, are available for all schools, youth groups, volunteer groups and charities to help promote this important message."

Abbie continued: “It’s really positive that the High Sheriff is committed to shining a light on the issues of mental health on the Island, and we were delighted when he commissioned the film showing the journey of a few of our young volunteers."

Isle of Wight County Press: The Wave Project began on the Island with a pilot scheme in 2015.The Wave Project began on the Island with a pilot scheme in 2015.