Our 2025/26 Impact Report has arrived
Over the past few months, we’ve been exploring the Power Beyond The Surf, sharing the impact of Surf Therapy, the growing need for preventative mental health support, and the stories at the heart of The Wave Project.
And we’re now proud to share our 2025/26 Impact Report. This report captures what happens when young people are given safe spaces, trusted relationships and the chance to reconnect with themselves, others and nature.
At a time when youth mental health support is under increasing pressure, early intervention matters more than ever. Right now, 1 in 5 children and young people are experiencing mental health challenges, while thousands remain unable to access the support they need.
That’s where Surf Therapy makes a difference.
The year in numbers
Together this year, we achieved:
- 2,674 children and young people supported across the UK
- 27,458 hours of direct support provided
- 1,397 active volunteers making our work possible
- Support delivered across 15 project hubs and 24 beaches
Behind every number is a young person building confidence, connection and hope.
The evidence behind our work
This year’s report also highlights the growing evidence behind Surf Therapy:
- 83.6% improved or maintained emotional wellbeing
- 94.2% felt more confident
- 97.8% felt able to be themselves
- 99.4% said they had fun
We also found an average 18.8% improvement in emotional wellbeing, with an estimated £2 in social wellbeing value generated for every £1 invested. These outcomes reinforce what we see every day on the beach: Surf Therapy helps young people feel safer, calmer and more connected.
But this report is about more than numbers. It’s about young people like Megan, who arrived at Surf Therapy struggling with severe anxiety and spent years in and out of hospital. With support from her Surf Mentor and community, she rebuilt her confidence, found belonging, and now gives back as a volunteer herself.
As Megan says:
‘No matter what my state was before I got in the sea, I’d always feel calm, happy and relaxed afterwards. ‘
That is the power of Surf Therapy.