A YOUNG people's intervention scheme in Dorset is experiencing a wave of success after securing another three years’ funding from the NHS and the Big Lottery Fund.

The Dorset branch of award-winning intervention scheme the Wave Project was set up as a one year pilot last autumn with funding from the Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust, using surf therapy to help young people from all over Dorset who are suffering from anxiety, mental health issues, low self-esteem or depression, and recently completed its first year.

Organisers were celebrating today after being awarded £138,994 from the Big Lottery Fund over three years, which will pay for a full-time member of staff and running costs to help up to 100 young people each year.

In another important development, Dorset HealthCare has also committed thousands of pounds in ongoing funding, which is the first time anywhere in the UK that the NHS has funded surfing as an ongoing mental health intervention.

They will provide £17,150 per year to help fund the current Wave Project coordinator to oversee the scheme one day a week and this will go towards the running costs of the project.

At the Wave Project's official launch event today in Bournemouth, children from local schools learnt how to surf in a demonstration of what they do.

The scheme accepts people aged 8-21 and many are referred by education, health and social care professionals or are in foster care.

Young people go through a six-week course at Sorted Surf School in Bournemouth, which is taught by volunteer instructors and helps to boost their confidence.

After they complete the course pupils can join the surf club and continue to build on the skills and experiences they have gained.

Wave Project Chief executive Joe Taylor said: “We are delighted, of course. We are happy that the funding is available as it is helping to improve the wellbeing of so many children.

"It definitely is helping to make a difference for them not just in surfing, but meeting new people, making new friendships, improving their relationships with other people and having an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural landscape that Dorset offers because they don’t all get to do that.”

Tim Davies-Pugh, Big Lottery Fund England director said: “We have seen great successes from previous Lottery funding awarded to The Wave Project and are delighted to help continue to support their growth to help children and young people through such an innovative and accessible way.”