Making waves in supporting mental health

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.

According to the NHS, one in six young people are experiencing a diagnosable mental health issue. In the importance of mental health and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness, we want to highlight two fantastic charities that we’ve supported since May 2023. The Wave Project and WILD Project are based here in Cornwall and are making waves in supporting young people’s mental health.

The Healing Power of the Sea: The Wave Project

In recent years, the idea that the coast has a positive effect on mental health has gained significant traction and one charity in Cornwall has taken this concept to extraordinary heights. Founded in 2010 and supported by the NHS, The Wave Project offers the world’s first surf therapy courses, aimed at enhancing children’s wellbeing through the transformative power of surfing. With 6,000 volunteer surf mentors, The Wave Project delivers life-changing surf therapy sessions every day, providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. As a partner, we play a vital role in providing free surf therapy for 2,000 children and young people with disabilities and mental health challenges each year.

By donating to The Wave Project through Kind2Mind (Big Give‘s national campaign) between the 14th – 21st of May, your donation will be doubled, making twice the impact to the children and young people The Wave Project supports. Donate here: https://www.waveproject.co.uk/big-give/

Empowering Young Families: WILD Project Cornwall

WILD Project Cornwall stands as an award-winning charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable and marginalised young parents in our region. By addressing a wide range of issues such as mental health, poverty, substance misuse, and housing instability, WILD empowers young families to overcome challenges and create brighter futures for themselves and their children. With a holistic approach focused on skill-building and resilience-building, WILD has become the UK’s largest charity for young parents, positively impacting over 15,000 parents and children in Cornwall. Read more about WILD Project here.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

We recognise the importance of supporting initiatives that promote social wellbeing, particularly here in Cornwall. Through our Social and Environmental Fund, we pledge to donate a minimum of 20% of our annual profits to our charity partners. Half of this investment goes towards supporting social charities like The Wave Project and WILD Project Cornwall, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by communities in Cornwall and striving to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As Mental Health Awareness Week unfolds, we invite you to join us in supporting the vital work of charities like The Wave Project and WILD Project Cornwall. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or spreading awareness, every action makes a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges.