‘When Lauren had the chance to process her feelings, I had time to process mine.’
Lauren had lost her grandma following a battle with cancer, and just 6 months later, her grandad also passed away. Referred to Surf Therapy through Families in Grief, Lauren has always had a real love for the water, and so The Wave Project seemed like the perfect fit. Coping with neurodiversity alongside her grief, Lauren wasn’t always attending school. But Surf Therapy has helped in incredible ways, as her mum Tracey explains: ‘[It has] helped her cope with everything. The whole thing’s been amazing.’
Lauren continues: ‘It’s made me more confident every time I go to a surf session. I come back happier than when I went; I come back more positive.’
Finding comfort and support in other young people taking part in Surf Therapy has been hugely beneficial for Lauren, knowing that others around her are in a similar situation. ‘You realise you’re not the only one.’
Our proven Surf Therapy programmes continue to have life-changing impact around the UK, building resilience, confidence and trust in our young surfers, in a relaxed and judgement-free environment. Lauren describes it perfectly: ‘It’s a really nice, safe space for anyone that needs a bit of help.’
But the effect of Surf Therapy can often ripple out beyond the initial waves of impact we see in our young people. Providing Lauren with a safe and supportive environment in turn gave her family space to process grief themselves. ‘[Surf Therapy made Lauren] a lot calmer, a lot more able to process what’s happened. And happier. When Lauren had the chance to process her feelings, I had time to process mine.’
