Man of Many Sponsors a WOW Surfing Experience Program for Young People
Men’s lifestyle publication Man of Many, recently sponsored one of WOW’s Surfing Experience Program for Young People!
Participants in this program were students from TLK Youth College on NSW’s Central Coast, which provides community-based youth education. This particular group included students at risk of or experiencing significant mental health concerns and psycho-social challenges.
Students participated in WOW’s evidence-based, eight-week learn-to-surf program that facilitates functional recovery, while promoting social inclusion, engagement and enhanced quality of life. Each week, the program addressed a different mental health theme, allowing participants to learn new skills and strategies through lived experience storytelling and connection with peers.
We had a chat to Alex, Head of Welfare at TLK College, who told us how important it was for their students participate in the WOW program in Term 3.
“The students involved experience a range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, ASD, ODD etc. and very much a mixed bunch of ability levels,” said Alex. “We had an age range of 14 – 17 year olds participating, and with all the varying differences in students, it was amazing to see how accommodating Abby, WOW’s Facilitator, was to all of them. “
After the first week, everyone was so excited to get on the bus to join the WOW session.
“It was amazing to see their resilience grow each week with surfing, but also with the students articulating verbally in a group context about the thoughts and feelings of each topic that the session was based around” said Alex.
Surf and weather conditions tested the group much like life can, but each week they showed up with a smile and enthusiasm to get into the water. It was an opportunity to demonstrate how we adapt to change and adversity during daily life.
An example of this is one session that took place at the school due to poor surf conditions. WOW Facilitator Abby brought sand from the beach for students to create personal sand jars. Each colour of the sand in the jar told a story about the participant and created an opportunity to share and express their own experiences and stories.
Sand Jars made by WOW Participants
During the on-sand ‘expression session’, the students shared real life stories and personal experiences about overcoming adversities in their lives. They were able to take a lot away from the discussions and consider how they may be able to apply key concepts or strategies to support them in their personal lives.
Students spent quality one-to-one time with the Surf Coaches and WOW Facilitator during the surf component of the program. A lot of the students manage adversity everyday, and placed high value on having this time and support in the WOW program each week.
Alex said, ”Seeing the encouragement and the genuine joy from each student and instructors has been incredible! It is an experience which as a school we would not normally be able to provide and one which I will be forever grateful to have been given the chance for them to participate in.”
WOW’s Surfing Experience Program for Young People on NSW’s Central Coast
“It was nice going to the beach and being near the water. I liked Abby [the WOW Facilitator] a lot.” - WOW Participant
Heather, WOW’s National Programs Manager, explained the great impact and need for the wonderful support Many of Many has given to this group of young people.
She said: “We know many have been doing it tough – navigating mental health challenges amongst everything else that has been happening over the last couple of years. With most mental health issues developing before the age of 25, at WOW, we have been hearing just how challenging it can be for young people, especially as of late. “
On behalf of all involved, we would like to thank Man of Many for the generous contribution and the opportunity to run a program that means so much for the students involved.
“It was super fun! It was really great being able to do something I usually wouldn’t be able to do.” - WOW Participant
Co-founder of Man of Many, Frank Arthur said: “We’re so proud to support young people at a critical point in their lives when addressing mental health challenges can be truly transformative. We’re impressed by Waves of Wellness Foundation’s innovative approach to mental health care that combines community, nature and movement. It’s such an engaging and accessible mode of therapy that equips participants with the tools to help them navigate mental health issues now and in the future.”