Ellie Harrison fronts drive to fund surf therapy programs

LOCAL therapeutic surf charity Ocean Mind has teamed up with Barwon Heads surfing talent Ellie Harrison to help promote its work supporting young people.

The World Surf League Challenger Series competitor has come on board to highlight the benefits of surfing for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Ocean Mind’s second annual Give a Little Stoke program aims to recruit 200 people to donate $10 a month, providing consistent funding for its surf therapy programs.

The charity said that level of support would fund six weeks of surf therapy each year, helping more young people access the program and reducing a growing waitlist.

“Cost-of-living pressures mean young people and families need support now more than ever and having free programs like Ocean Mind means families have access to support,” program coordinator Jack Balakas said.

Harrison said she was proud to support the initiative and share her own experience of the ocean’s impact.

“Whenever I feel like I’m going through something in life, I’ll go for a surf and it just makes me feel 10 times better,” she said.

“Surfing is such a beautiful sport and to be able to show that off to other people who haven’t experienced it is incredibly special.

“I think it’s super important to just support people going through tough challenges. A small donation can go a long way.”

For more, head to oceanmind.com.au