Newquay surf charity given £100,000 boost by Comic Relief

A Newquay-based surf therapy charity has received a major funding boost, with £100,000 awarded by Comic Relief to support its work with children and young people.

The Wave Project, which was founded in Newquay in 2010, will use the funding to help cover core costs over the next two years. This includes programme delivery, safeguarding, and staff and volunteer training, allowing the charity to continue its award-winning work across 17 locations in the UK.

As demand for mental health support continues to rise among children and young people, the grant is being described as a vital lifeline. The charity currently supports more than 2,500 children each year, many of whom are referred by schools, CAMHS, GPs, and social workers due to challenges like trauma, severe anxiety, and social isolation.

Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer at The Wave Project, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Comic Relief for their generous support. Surf Therapy is an early intervention which does so much to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the children and young people who become our Surfers... Our charity creates community, friendships, confidence and resilience. Comic Relief do that all over the world. We do that through Surf Therapy and the healing powers of the ocean in the UK. Support for core costs is difficult to obtain, so this grant is so welcome!”

(PRESS PLAY below to hear our conversation with Ramon)

The Wave Project’s six-week Surf Therapy programmes match young people one-to-one with trained volunteer mentors. Participants then have the option to continue in a Surf Club, offering long-term support and a sense of belonging. Evaluations consistently show significant improvements in emotional wellbeing, confidence, and resilience.

One parent said: “He desperately needed this boost... This experience has given him confidence and helped him manage his anxiety in a way we never thought possible.”

Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, added:
“With the incredible work they are doing to support children and young people, The Wave Project is a fantastic example of how sport can change lives... We’re delighted to be awarding this funding, especially as Comic Relief marks the return of Sport Relief this summer.”

PRESS PLAY to hear our conversation with Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer at The Wave Project...