Therapeutic provision

The Wave Project Cornwall

The Wave Project Cornwall
How to access: Health / CAMHS referral, Professional referral, School referral, Social prescribing, Social worker / family support referral
Funding options: Charity funded / subsidised, Free to access
Where/how it is delivered: Community-based, Outdoor / nature-based
When/how often: After school, Weekend, Weekly / regular sessions
Cost type: Funded or commissioned place
Approach: Therapeutic
Needs and circumstances supported: ADHD, Autism, Emotionally based school avoidance, No diagnosis required / awaiting assessment, Physical disability, SEMH, SEND, Sensory needs
May be suitable for: Confidence and Wellbeing
Age range: Primary (5-11 years), Secondary (11–16 years), Post 16 (16-19 years), Post 19 (19–25 years)
Activities & Interests: Beach activity, Outdoor activity, Sport, Surfing, Watersports
Support and provision features: 1:1 learning, Small group learning, Therapeutic support
How and when provision is delivered: After school, Flexible attendance, Half day – approximately 2–4 hours, In person, Weekend, Weekly session
EHCP details: An EHCP is not required. The free six-week Surf Therapy programme normally requires a referral through a school, healthcare professional or other registered referral partner.
Funding and referral routes: Charity-funded, Family Support Worker, School referral, Social Prescriber, Social Worker

The Wave Project Cornwall

The Wave Project Cornwall helps children and young people improve their mental health and wellbeing through Surf Therapy. Sessions take place at beaches including Polzeath, Newquay, Gwithian and St Ives, using surfing, time in nature and supportive relationships to build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Surf Therapy Course

The main programme is a free six-week Surf Therapy course for young people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low confidence, social isolation or difficulties engaging with education.

Age Range

Most participants are aged 8–18, with some funded opportunities available for young adults up to 24.

Surf Mentor

Each young person is matched with a trained Surf Mentor who provides one-to-one support during small-group sessions led by qualified surf instructors. No previous surfing experience is needed, and all equipment, including wetsuits and surfboards, is provided.

The focus

is not on becoming a surfer, but on using the sea and positive relationships to help young people feel calmer, develop self-belief and enjoy new experiences in a safe, encouraging environment.

Surf Club

Many participants go on to join the regular Surf Club, while older members can train as volunteer Surf Mentors, developing confidence, responsibility and employability skills.

Adaptive Surfing

The Wave Project also offers Adaptive Surfing for people with physical disabilities or additional support needs using specialist equipment and adapted techniques.

Surf Therapy is free for families, but young people are usually referred by a school, healthcare professional or other registered referral partner who pay a commitment fee.

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