A SURF therapy charity in Newquay has seen its funds swell following a £30,000 donation.

The Wave Project in Fore Street has received the money from Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, to support its innovative programmes.

The grant will enable the pioneering initiative to continue its vital work across Cornwall, Dorset, Isle of Wight and Scotland, harnessing surfing to help young people suffering from mental health challenges build confidence, reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

Ramon Van de Velde, the chief executive officer of The Wave Project, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Wooden Spoon’s generous support and belief in the transformative power of surf therapy.

“Time and again, we witness our interventions’ profound impact on children and young people – replacing anxiety with accomplishment, insecurity with confidence and new-found resilience.

“This funding will enable us to provide even more children and young people with the opportunity to participate in our programmes across the UK.”

Barry Monahan at Wooden Spoon said they donated the money to the Wave Project because of its “proven track record of profoundly impacting” lives.

Barry said: “We are thrilled to support The Wave Project and its expansion.

“Mental health challenges among young people are a growing concern, and we believe that surf therapy offers a creative and effective way to address these issues.

“By supporting The Wave Project, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of many young individuals in communities up and down the country.”