Sussex surf therapy project named Community Engagement Award winner

A project which transforms young people’s lives through surf therapy has won the Community Engagement award at the Sussex Sport and Physical Exercise Awards 2025.

The Wave Project Brighton & Sussex supports children and young people aged eight to 18 who are experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and barriers to physical activity. 

This year, more than 100 young people participated in surf therapy and surf club sessions at Southwick, supported by more than 40 volunteer surf mentors. 

On winning the award, Kate from The Wave Project said: “It just means absolutely loads to our project.

“We’re pretty small, but we’ve just got the most amazing team of people, and the difference that we make to the young people that come to surf with us is really, really outstanding.

“We just give young people a safe space to enjoy themselves and improve their wellbeing and their mental health and build a really amazing community around them. So it’s a really fantastic project, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

Young people from all over Sussex are referred to the six-week courses by professionals such as CAMHS, Brighton & Hove Children’s Services, the Royal Alexandra Hospital and many local schools.

The young people face challenges including neurodiversity, school avoidance, anxiety and depression. 

Every participant is matched one-to-one with a trained surf mentor who provides encouragement, reassurance and friendship throughout.

Sessions, led by qualified surf instructors and lifeguards, include beach games, surfing, teamwork and reflection. 

The Wave Project said being in ‘blue space’ promotes mindfulness and freedom, and added: “This is therapy that doesn’t feel like therapy.”

The impact of the project has shown significant improvements in confidence, resilience and social skills.

Families and referrers report calmer home lives, renewed engagement with education and brighter outlooks.

Many surf therapy graduates transition into the programme’s weekly Surf Club, and once they are 14 they can train as surf mentors themselves, helping other young people in need. 

The project has a hugely positive impact on the families of the young people, their peer groups, our own volunteers and the wider community.