Sunrise-to-sunset surf backs youth wellbeing

LOCAL surf charity Ocean Mind is encouraging the community to help turn the longest day of the year into lasting support for its youth wellbeing programs.

The organisation will run back-to-back surf sessions from sunrise to sunset on Monday, December 22 as part of its Surf the Solstice fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Ocean Mind Surf Club.

The free weekly program provides ongoing mental health and wellbeing support for young people, focusing on safety, confidence and connection in the water.

Ocean Mind interim chief executive, Ben Wilkinson, said raising $56,000 would fund a full year of the surf club program.

“There’s a real link between the longest day of sun and our long-term surfing program.

“This provides us with a great opportunity to host a novel event and to get our young people involved in an exciting event.

“Plenty of local families have snapped up the spots, and our volunteer mentors and team are really excited to bring a bit of awareness and raise some funds for the program.”

The community can support the fundraiser through one-off or monthly donations, by starting their own fundraising page, or by sponsoring a time slot during the event.

“It’s not cheap to run these sorts of programs, and this will go a long way in getting people in the water with that real focus on community connection,” Wilkinson said.

There will be no public event on the beach, rather Ocean Mind team will be facilitating sessions throughout the day.

For more information, head to surf-the-solstice-ocean-minds-big-day-of-support.raiselysite.com