We were offered the great opportunity to spend two weeks with the Waves for Change crew in Muizenberg, South Africa.
Waves for Change works in South African communities affected by violence, poverty and conflict, where mental health services are often stigmatized and under-resourced.
Working in partnership with local community members, Waves for Change identifies, trains and resources mentors, who they work with to open programmes that service the youth of their own home communities.
"Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community." (WHO 2014)
Surf Therapy is an evidence-based therapy method to help people whose mental well-being is affected e.g. by violence, abuse or family breakdown. Using the beach as a safe space and having caring mentors on site, Surf Therapy uses simple bonding excercises, surfing and breathing techniques to help each participant to develop skills to deal with stress and form healthy relationships.
Bringing Surf Therapy to Trinidad
We are very excited to offer Surf Therapy sessions in Balandra, Trinidad. And we can't wait to spread our program accross the island.
Check out https://www.waves-for-change.org for more details about Surf Therapy in South Africa.