Ocean Mind searching for new “action heroes”

OCEAN MIND hope to enhance the lives of more people in 2023 and are searching for 50 new “action heroes” to join them in volunteering in their range of surfing programs.

The Surf Coast-based therapeutic surf charity which was founded in 2016 aims to enrich people’s mental health, relationships and potential through surfing and has assisted thousands of members of the community to live happier lives.

Ocean Mind chief executive officer Rachael Parker said the group was looking forward to another jam-packed calendar of programs, but were in need of more people to become volunteers to meet the ongoing rise in their services.

“Anyone can be a surf hero for young people, and we are looking to engage more volunteers because we are running more and more programs.

“Ocean Mind are looking for 50 more volunteers to come and help out at five of our programs which start in the third week of February.

“The goal is to get people involved whilst the weather and water is warm, and that way we can offer as many spots as needed for our young people wanting to partake.

“We’ve got our two school programs on Fridays and the three programs over the weekend including our Ocean Mind Surf Club which supports past Ocean Mind alumni in increasing their surfing skills.

“We really just want that support from the community so we can make this happen.”

Parker said volunteering with the organisation would come with plenty of benefits for those wanting to help facilitate the programs.

“All our volunteers really become apart of the community, they meet a whole bunch of new friends and also get some training that helps them support other young people.

“They don’t need to be the best surfers to be part of the program, we just need people who feel comfortable in the ocean.”

Those interested in volunteering can head to oceanmind.org.au