Surf Therapy
Child-Friendly Mental Health Services for Under-Resourced Communities
Insight into Surf Therapy and the link to Mental Health
Surf Therapy combines the health benefits of surfing and physical activity with activities that help young people build protective relationships, identify emotions, self soothe and build a positive future vision.
Our Programmes
Surf Therapy
Surf Therapy builds social connections, provides respite from difficult thoughts and feelings, and develops skills to cope with stress.
The Wave Alliance
Through training and mentoring, the Wave Alliance community grows access to community-owned mental health services in coastal communities worldwide.
Research, Learn, Adapt
Waves for Change strives to constantly learn from, refine and improve our service through monitoring, evaluation and research. We do this through partnerships with Universities and funders, participating in communities of practice and learning networks, and creating spaces for W4C child and youth voices to be heard in our programme design and delivery.
About Waves for Change
Waves for Change is a registered South African non-profit organisation. Since 2009, we have worked with Universities, children and young people to develop a community based, child-friendly mental health service.
Through published, participatory research, our Surf Therapy programme has been co-designed with children and youth alongside supervision from local mental health experts. Together we have created an innovative programme that is both child and youth friendly and evidence based.
Our Supporters
Luxolo, Mentor, Waves for ChangeWaves for change taught me to be independent and have hope for tomorrow. If I fall I know that I can rise again. Life is full of challenges, but I should not give up!
Zilungile, Mentor, Waves for ChangeI thought W4C was about surfing, not knowing it’s a life changing opportunity. It isn’t about the kids only, it’s about everyone, coaches, kids and bringing back to the community.
Keenan, Mentor, Waves for ChangeMuch like a butterfly changing is inevitable, Waves for Change has allowed me to break free from my cocoon and hatch into a beautiful butterfly with new skills for wings and qualities for antennas.
Nkuja, Mentor, Waves for ChangeWhen I first learned to stand on a surfboard, I felt like I was on top of the world because I am walking on water. I ended up taking surfing as my coping skill because every time I am in the water, I take the waves as the obstacles that I go through.
Fura, Mentor, Waves for ChangeWaves for Change had a big role in facilitating racial inclusion and diversity at the beach. When I started surfing as a child, there were hardly any black people, and it was mostly men. Now, everyone surfs, especially women. Words that describe W4C for me – Freedom. Peace. Love. Care.
Amber, Surf Mentor, Waves for ChangeI’m a caring coach making a change in kids’ lives by helping them with their mental health, to think more positively.
Latest News
Mental health resources, updates on Surf Therapy, and exciting announcements.
Get a Child to the Beach
Just a ripple can make waves and change lives through surfing and child-friendly mental health.
