The Wave Project is looking for volunteers in Sidmouth to take part in a surf therapy training event.

On Saturday, April 18, The Wave Project, the world's first 'surf therapy' project, will be training volunteers on Sidmouth Beach.

A spokesperson for The Wave Project said: "Join us in Sunny Sidmouth, we'll start off with an introduction to the team at Jurassic Paddle Sports.

"A brief intro about the wave project and safeguarding, followed by the skills needed to support our awesome young people in and out of the water, before heading into the water to have a practice.

"All equipment will be provided, so don't worry if you haven't got your own. Come on down and see what we do and meet some of the Wave Project family, it would be great to see you."

In September 2010, a group of 20 young people sat on the beach at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, for a surfing lesson. They had all been diagnosed with mental health disorders, ranging from mild to severe. Some participants had been self-harming, others experienced severe anxiety, low mood or depression.

It was the start of The Wave Project – the world's first 'surf therapy' course funded by a government health service. The NHS had agreed to fund this as a pilot scheme, with a view to providing further funding if it was found to be effective. They assigned a clinical psychologist, Dr Kathryn Lovering, to evaluate the programme, based on data gathered by the project organisers.

The results of self-evaluation showed that wellbeing rose among the group overall, with participants feeling calmer, less angry and more connected to each other, after surfing. Young people experiencing anxiety grew in confidence. One young man, who had a diagnosis of selective mutism, began talking freely again during the course. It was the first time in the UK that surfing had been used to support mental health.

The Training Day will take place on Sidmouth beach, near the groynes opposite the Surf Life Saving Club at 10am on Saturday, April 18.

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