GWYLF highlight partnership with Ocean Mind during National World Mental Month

THERAPUTIC surfing charity Ocean Mind will expand their services thanks to a $30,000 Survive and Thrive grant from Give Where You Live Foundation (GWYLF).

The foundation has supported Ocean Mind since its inception more than five years ago, helping them deliver therapeutic surfing programs for young people who have a disability, are experiencing mental health challenges, and social isolation.

GWYL’s grant of $30,000 will help Ocean Mind meet the increased demand for their services and improve access to mental health services across the region.

Foundation CEO, Bill Mithen said GWYL is proud to have support Ocean Mind since its inception.

“The Give Where You Live Foundation invests in a number of programs supporting mental health in our community and we’re really proud to have provided funding to Ocean Mind for over five years,” Mithen said.

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of many young people in our community and that local services have seen a significant increase in demand for support.

“This year we have been able to provide Ocean Mind with a $30,000 grant to help them to meet the increased demand for support.

“The grant will enable them to deliver up to 15 six-week programs and weekly surf club sessions for young people in our community.”

Mr Mithen said that the Ocean Mind program is a great example of how surfing therapy helps to build resilience, confidence and happiness in young people.

Founder and CEO of Ocean Mind, Rachael Parker thanked the Give Where You Live Foundation for enabling them to support more people in the community.

“The Give Where You Live Foundation was the reason why we’ve been able to grow, and they’ve been continued supporters of ours,” Parker said.

“We know that when the community need increases – and it has increased – we’re supported by Give Where You Live to be able to increase what we do.

“Ocean Mind programs change the lives of young people by delivering evidence-based therapeutic surfing interventions that build confidence and connection with the community and develop new skills.”

Many local children have benefitted from Ocean Mind’s program thanks to the support of the GWYLF grant, including Surf Coast youngster Declan Selleck.

“Declan really wasn’t enjoying school at all at one point, and I just thought it might be something that was a positive experience and build some confidence for him and it’s working really well,” Declan’s mother Lea Selleck said.

While he was in the program, Lea began noticing positive changes in Declan and shortly after he was quite enjoying schooling again.

“I’ve met a bunch of new people, Ocean Mind has just made me a lot happier overall,” Declan said.

“It just feels like you’re flying on water, but risk-free because there’s the water, so you get to enjoy the experience of flying.”

Ocean Mind hope to continue having a positive impact on young people in the community.

To find out more about Ocean Mind and their work, you can go to https://oceanmind.org.au/