Wave Project UK: Paddle Out for World Mental Health Day - how to get involved in Newcastle

Wave Project UK has announced its annual Paddle Outs in solidarity with World Mental Health Day, including an event in Newcastle.

The non-profit mental health organisation announced the events via instagram, saying: “There’s less than a week to go until we host our annual Paddle Outs for Mental Health across the UK.

“To mark World Mental Health day on the 10th October we’ll be gathering for our annual paddle out across the country to help raise awareness and promote togetherness in an open environment.”

The organisation now has clubs that run across the UK, including the north east, bringing surf therapy to as many children as possible. Weekly surf therapy courses run at Tynemouth with help from Tynemouth Surf Co.

The Wave Project North East hub announced that there would be a paddle out for those wanting to join at Cullercoats.

So, how can you get involved? Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming paddle outs.

When is the paddle out in Newcastle?

The North East paddle out will take place at Cullercoats Bay on Sunday October 9, at 7:30am.

A spokesperson for The Wave Project North East said: “Join us in marking World Mental Health day this year. We’ll be gathering again just after sunrise at Cullercoats Bay, as part of a global effort to raise awareness and promote togetherness in a safe and open space.

“This will be an informal get together and all are welcome! Participants are asked to take responsibility for their own safety along with my dependents. Please bring your own equipment, we will have rash vests for those wanting to wear them.

“There will be a safety brief at 7:30am then we will paddle out together just before 8am. If unsuitable sea conditions prevail on the day we’ll still gather and share in the moment on the beach so still arrive ready for any eventuality.

“We will update our social media if there are any changes.”

Where else are the paddle outs taking place?

Saturday October 8, 4:14pm - lifeguard hut at Croyde

Monday October 10, 5:30pm - Towan Beach, Newquay

Sunday October 9, 7:30am - Cullercoats Bay, Tynemouth

Sunday October 9, 2pm - West Sands, St Andrews

Sunday October 9, 8am - South Bay, Scarborough

Monday October 10, 5:30pm - Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

More information on the paddle outs can be found on the Wave Project website.

What is the Wave Project?

Wave Project is a non-profit organisation that works to provide surf therapy to vulnerable young people.

Wave Project describes the work it does, saying: “We harness the power of the ocean to improve the mental health of children and young people”

The organisation first started in 2010 with 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. One participant was diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, the instructors noticed that when watching the young people on the beach, none of this was visible.

The organisation was formed as a community interest company in January 2011 and has expanded across the UK bringing surf therapy to thousands of young people and offering life changing support through surfing and the sea.

They are present at 32 beaches and locations across the UK where they run surf therapy programmes.

Speaking to the BBC, NHS health commissioner Joe McEvoy, has reiterated the importance of the work the Wave Project does:

“It’s a long-established body of evidence which shows that when you organise therapeutic activities around particular tasks, people benefit not just from social interaction but also build confidence.”