Wave Project UK has announced rowing events in solidarity with World Mental Health Day, including one in Edinburgh.
The non-profit mental health organization announced the events via Instagram, saying: “It’s less than a week until we host our annual Paddle Outs for Mental Health across the UK.
“To mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, we will come together for our annual rowing across the country to help raise awareness and promote togetherness in an open environment.”
The organization has its own branch located in Belhaven, East Lothian, and is run by local Alison Young. Courses take place in Dunbar and the team recently opened in St. Andrews.
When does rowing come out in Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh rowing is scheduled for the same World Mental Health Day.
To join, go to Portobello Beach in Edinburgh on Monday 10th October at 5:30pm
Where else are rowing starts taking place?
Saturday 8th October, 4.14pm – lifeguard hut in Croyde
Monday 10th October, 5:30pm – Towan Beach, Newquay
Sunday 9th October, 7:30am – Cullercoats Bay, Tynemouth
Sunday 9th October, 2pm – West Sands, St Andrews
Sunday October 9, 8am – South Bay, Scarborough
Monday 10th October, 5:30pm – Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
More information about rowing starts can be found on the Wave Project website.
What is the Wave Project?
Wave Project is a non-profit organization that works to provide vulnerable youth with surf therapy.
The Wave Project describes the work they do, saying: “We harness the power of the ocean to improve the mental health of children and young people.”
The organization started in 2010 with a group of 20 young people sitting on the beach at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, for a surfing lesson. All had been diagnosed with mental health disorders, ranging from mild to severe.
Some participants self-harmed, others experienced severe anxiety, low mood, or depression. One participant was diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, the instructors noted that when observing the youth on the beach, none of this was visible.
The organization was formed as a community interest business in January 2011 and has expanded across the UK providing surf therapy to thousands of young people and offering life changing support through surfing and the sea.
They are present at 32 beaches and venues across the UK where they run surf therapy programmes.
Speaking to the BBC, NHS Health Commissioner Joe McEvoy reiterated the importance of the work the Wave Project does:
“It’s a long-established body of evidence that shows that when you organize therapeutic activities around particular tasks, people benefit not only from social interaction but also from trust.”
Over the last five years they have focused on creating handicap surf courses and opening their own handicap surf center in Croyde, North Devon, with specialist equipment to provide safe and enjoyable surf sessions for all levels.
