Wave Project NI
Making a Splash
Founded in 2010, The Wave Project is a pioneering UK charity that uses Surf Therapy as an evidence-based intervention to support vulnerable young people aged 8–24. The six-week Surf Therapy course combines physical activity, trusted mentor relationships and time in nature to help participants build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Breaking through the Surf
According to the NHS, one in five young people are experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition and many more are struggling without access to timely and relevant support. Many face anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and disconnection from peers and community – often at ages when early support can make the biggest difference.
Surf Therapy doesn’t feel like clinical therapy – it feels like fun, a shared challenge and connection in a supportive environment.
Wave Project NI, launched in 2018, is based on the stunning and inspiring North Coast and currently supports over 80 children and young people each year with its dedicated network of local volunteers.
Using the power of the ocean to provide measurable improvements in young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
Strength, Support, Sucess
The six-week Surf Therapy course provides a supported introduction to surfing, building confidence that ripples into daily life.
The programme is entirely participant-led, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace and define their own success. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer surf mentor within a small group setting. These mentors provide support on land and in the water, focusing on empowerment to help young people build confidence and take pride in their achievements.
Impact on Wellbeing of Young People
70.5%
felt more resilient
70.3%
gained in confidence
66.2%
felt calmer
Tides of Change
The six-week Surf Therapy course is just one element of a three-stage approach that supports young people at different points in their journey.
Surf Club offers an opportunity to continue developing participant’s surfing skills, independence in the water and strengthen the friendships formed with others. For many, this becomes a lasting safe space supporting ongoing growth, confidence and connection.
Once Surf Club members reach the age of 14, they may be considered for training as Surf Mentors. This pathway enables some young people to complete a powerful journey – from receiving support to helping others through Surf Therapy.
What happens on the beach doesn’t stay on the beach. The process of facing a challenge, realising they can succeed and knowing they are supported helps young people feel more able to take on new experiences in all areas of life.
Making Waves, Changing Lives
Ultimately, Wave Project NI is about more than surfing – it is about equipping young people with the tools, confidence and support networks they need to navigate life’s challenges, embrace new opportunities and build brighter, more resilient futures.
Other partners who are making a difference
Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.
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ARC Fitness
A unique platform combining the therapeutic benefits of exercise, education and individual coaching to build self-esteem, self-worth and physical and mental resilience.
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The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation
Philanthropic support is helping to make Queen’s University Belfast and Northern Ireland a world leader in medical research, education and patient care.
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Oh Yeah Music Centre
Music has been proven to be a unique and powerful stimulus for reawakening self-awareness and social connectedness in people with dementia and this is fundamental to the work of Oh Yeah Music Centre who offer a range of programmes using music & reminiscence to promote wellbeing in older people.