15 Peaks of Summer’ challenge launches as 4,000 young people wait for mental health support in Scotland
With young people at the sharp end of Scotland’s mental health crisis, The Wave Project, the UK’s leading Surf Therapy charity supporting youth mental health, has launched a new ’15 Peaks of Summer’ challenge in Scotland. Funds raised will help deliver early intervention Surf Therapy programmes at the charity’s three Scottish sites in St Andrews, Lost Shore near Edinburgh and Dunbar.
Running from 1 July to 31 August 2026 ’15 Peaks of Summer’ invites people of all ages and abilities to climb 15 hills or peaks over the summer. From a local favourite or coastal path to a Munro, everything counts to help raise vital funds for young people’s mental health.
Operating across 20 beaches UK-wide, The Wave Project supported over 2,500 young people in 2025, including more than 180 youngsters in Scotland where more than 4,000 young people are waiting to gain access to mental health support. For many young people, Surf Therapy offers a rare sense of freedom and belonging. One participant at Lost Shore, Edinburgh shared: “It was a space where I could just be myself, and I always left feeling more confident and positive for the rest of the day.”
This spring, Surf Therapy sessions are restarting across Scotland, with around 250 young people set to begin courses and hundreds of Surf Club spaces available, providing ongoing support, connection and a sense of community.
Ruarirdh Farquharson, Project Coordinator at The Wave Project comments: “15 Peaks of Summer is a powerful way for our community to come together and celebrate 15 years of The Wave Project. Every peak climbed represents a step towards better mental health for young people, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone taking on this challenge to support our work.”
The 15 Peaks challenge is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with participants able to take part individually or as a team, connect with others, and complete their climbs at their own pace. The charity is aiming to raise £15,000, helping more young people access life-changing support.
Gary Hovell who signed up to volunteer in 2021 and comes to Dunbar and Lost Shore comments: “I’ve been a volunteer for five years now, and during that time I’ve seen just how important The Wave Project is for the children and young people it supports.
“I’m passionate about surfing and hillwalking, so taking on the 15 Peaks of Summer challenge feels like the perfect fit for me. I’m really excited to push myself while raising money for a cause that means so much.”
Participants can sign up and start planning their summer challenge.