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
Amber, Surf Mentor, Muizenberg SiteI’m a caring coach making a change in kids’ lives by helping them with their mental health, to think more positively.
Alwaba, Surf Mentor, Gqeberha SiteWaves for change has helped me with my mental health by providing a safe environment for us coaches to be vulnerable and supported in every way.
Sisanda, Surf Mentor, East London SiteBeing able to provide such support and guidance to the children is something that makes me feel proud of myself because it is something that I never got or experienced growing up.
Sihle, Surf Mentor, Monwabisi SiteI have developed some self confidence because usually I was not the type of person who believes in himself but now I believe in myself and also I have found some sense of belonging and I’m more positive.
Lelihle, Surf Mentor, Hout Bay SiteI’m aware of my mental health and I now understand myself better, thanks to Waves for Change.
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.
