Kooth and The Wave Project – Supporting young people beyond the beach

UK charity The Wave Project is dedicated to improving young people's mental health through surf therapy. By offering unique educational programmes like Beach School and Surf Back to School, the team creates safe, supportive environments where young people can build self-esteem, social trust, and resilience.

But what happens when the surf sessions end? That’s where Kooth steps in. The team at The Wave Project refer young people to Kooth for step-down care and continued support, giving them a safe space to turn to beyond the beach. 

Surf therapy and beyond

The approach is simple yet powerful: using the sea as a therapeutic tool.

For many young people, low self-esteem, anxiety, or social challenges are part of daily life. According to the NHS, one in six young people experience a diagnosable mental health issue.

The Wave Project addresses this by offering creative learning and surf sessions tailored to their needs, blending fun with connection to the national curriculum.

Participants aren't just learning to surf; they’re supported by a personal surf mentor, who guides them through their surfing and helps build confidence and resilience in the waves. Each surfer is encouraged to set challenges and work at their own pace, supported by the group.

When the surf therapy programme finishes, young people are encouraged to join The Wave Project Surf Club, where they continue developing their skills and social networks. Not only this, but they also refer to Kooth.

The Wave Project recognises that every young person’s mental health journey is different. While surf therapy offers a physical and social outlet, Kooth provides a safe space for them to continue exploring their feelings and challenges through online support.

"Kooth is fantastic for young people—following the work with The Wave Project, it gives them a safe, anonymous space to access free mental health support and provides a much-needed platform to share their worries and challenges." Greta Viertel, Beach School Teacher at The Wave Project

This anonymity is important for those who might be hesitant to look for help in more traditional settings.

Anchored in the community: Continuing mental health support

Kooth’s collaboration with The Wave Project highlights how embedded we are in local communities and how crucial these partnerships are for providing support.

After completing a course with The Wave Project, young people don’t just leave with better surfing skills; they leave knowing that help is always available if they need it.

According to Peta Coote, one of our team of on-the-ground engagement leads at Kooth, “This partnership is more than just a referral system, it’s a testament to how integrated mental health services can be when local organisations work together. By supporting young people with The Wave Project, Kooth is helping to create a lasting impact in local communities, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to succeed both in and out of the water.”

Being able to talk to a professional confidentially might feel totally out of reach for a lot of young people, so for Kooth to provide this service to young people is extremely important.”