The WOW Factor: Surf Mentor Jimmy Shares His Story
Jimmy Purcell (47) is a surfer from the Sunshine Coast who has been volunteering his time with WOW as a surf mentor since the beginning of 2021.
How did you first hear about WOW?
My wife was watching the Today Show a few years ago when she came across an interview with Joel Pilgrim from WOW. She believed the concept would resonate with me and sent me a link to the interview.
What motivated you to sign up for a WOW program?
My oldest friend lost his life to suicide in 2018 and since that time, I’ve felt a deep desire to reach out and help others within the community. In January 2021, I contacted the Sunshine Coast Program and expressed my interest to join the program as a mentor. As a surfer with over 30 years experience in the water, and a life resume encompassing the good, the bad and the ugly, I felt I had a valuable combination of experiences that I could share with the participants of the program; positively impacting their lives both within the program and in the outside world.
What surprised you most about a WOW program?
The quality of being vulnerable. When people feel safe to share their vulnerability, things get real (and it also helps others show their vulnerability too). Everyone has a story to tell and they just want someone to listen. We desire to have perfect lives, but we know deep down nothing is really picture perfect. We're imperfect beings; and we find unity and hope in one another’s imperfections. When we share stories we connect at a deeper level and understand them in a new way.
What did you learn about yourself during a WOW program?
The program has taken me on a journey of self discovery; a search for a more meaningful life. A life with purpose. A life that fosters health and wellness. A life with greater social connection and engagement.
What did you learn about mental health during the program?
It’s ok not to be ok. It’s not about exposing dark secrets. It’s about understanding the life events that made the people into who they are today. When we know that, we can start to accept them more unconditionally and provide them with the support they need to make positive changes in their lives.
We’re all about bringing the WOW factor to mental health, so keep an eye out for these magic case studies in the future as we dive deep into what makes people tick, and the essence of their experience with WOW. If you'd like to share your story, drop us a line!
If you’d like to support WOW as a Surf Mentor, you can find out more by clicking here.