Waves for Change (W4C), a South African non-profit company, is championing mental health awareness. The company supports young people through its inspiring new campaign, ‘You’re Right on Time’.
The initiative aims to strengthen resilience, confidence and emotional well-being among adolescents. This is particularly so with those growing up in high-stress environments across South Africa.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Coinciding with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, W4C’s Immersion Session highlights the importance of the “second window of neurological opportunity.”
This is a crucial phase that takes place between the ages of nine and 14.
During this period, young people can develop vital social and emotional coping skills if given the right support.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SURF THERAPY
Research from the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town shows that nine out of ten South African youths lack access to mental health services.
This places them at risk of trauma and behavioural challenges.
WAVES FOR CHANGE AND THERAPY
Since its founding in 2010, W4C has provided Surf Therapy to more than 12,000 adolescents across the Western and Eastern Cape, according to their website.
The programme combines the Take 5 Model, built around energisers, breathing exercises, social connection and emotional check-ins. They then combine it with the thrill of surfing.
SELF-REGULATION AND LIFE SKILLS
Guided by 43 Surf Therapy coaches, participants find safe spaces to express emotions, learn self-regulation and develop healthy life skills.
“Surfing gives children a sense of freedom and control,” says W4C Muizenberg site manager Tony Gubeza.
“It helps them build positive social networks and build coping strategies that last well beyond the beach.” Young participants report feeling supported, confident and emotionally balanced.
MENTAL HEALTH, EMPATHY AND COMMUNICATION
Long-term benefits include reduced risky behaviour, improved impulse control, better school attendance, and stronger relationships with families and peers.
The campaign’s Immersion Session on World Mental Health Day invites the public to experience how small acts of connection can encourage empathy and communication.
DONATIONS
South Africans can contribute to ‘You’re Right on Time’ by donating via the W4C website, according to The Good Things Guy.
Contributions start from R40 for a warm meal, R200 for a child’s Surf Therapy session. R500 can go towards a coach’s stipend, and R1,000 to cover a debrief psychologist’s services.
Mental health support remains a pressing issue in South Africa, and W4C’s Surf Therapy model is proving to be a wave of change.
